King Charles made history today as the first British monarch to address the Bundestag in Berlin. His Majesty delivered his speech almost entirely in German, which garnered nods of approval
and rounds of applause from MPs. The King spoke about the friendship between Germany and the United Kingdom, acknowledging his late mother's love for Germany and the outpouring of support from the German people after her passing. He also praised Germany for standing up for Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion, stating that it threatens Europe's security but that he was encouraged by the unity shown by Britain, Germany, and other nations.
Throughout his speech, King Charles demonstrated a deep appreciation for the shared interests and cultural values that exist between the two nations. He joked about the friendly rivalry that often plays out on the football pitch and spoke about the nations' ability to laugh with and at each other. The King also referenced their shared love of literature, music, and art, mentioning The Beatles and Kraftwerk.
King Charles highlighted the upcoming Coronation ceremony and the music of Georg Friedrich Handel, who was born German and died British, which will once again soar through Westminster Abbey. The King's speech did not touch on the topic of Brexit but instead focused on Britain and Germany working together towards net-zero and renewable energy, including wind farms, which is a personal passion of King Charles.
In addition to the King's speech, he and his wife, Camilla, Queen Consort, were greeted by huge crowds in Berlin and were treated to German cheese and dairy delicacies during their visit. The royal couple's state visit has been met with much excitement and enthusiasm from the German people, with local media and crowds going wild for the monarch.
Overall, King Charles' historic speech to the Bundestag showcased the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect that exist between Germany and the United Kingdom. His Majesty's fluency in German and deep understanding of the culture and values of the German people were evident in his speech, and his remarks were met with admiration and appreciation from all in attendance. Photo by Dan Marsh, Wikimedia commons.