The Prince and Princess of Wales have officially commenced a significant royal event by welcoming German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, to the UK. The royal couple greeted the guests at Heathrow Airport on behalf of King Charles, performing their customary welcoming duties.

A ceremonial carpet lining party, consisting of The King’s Colour Squadron from the Royal Air Force, was present for the arrival of the president’s plane, which bore the colours of the German flag. Dressed in a smart suit, Prince William welcomed the dignitaries alongside Kate, who wore a Burberry dress complemented by a blue coat designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. She accessorised with a matching hat, black boots, and earrings that belonged to William’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, along with a Prince of Wales Feathers Brooch.

As the royal couple shook hands with the president and First Lady, Ms Budenbender smiled and engaged in conversation with Kate. Also present at the airport were Met Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes and British Ambassador to Germany Andrew Mitchell. William introduced the guests to the waiting dignitaries, reading from a card that listed their names.

Following the airport welcome, William and Kate returned to Windsor for a carriage ride through the streets leading to the castle. President Steinmeier will receive a ceremonial welcome in the castle quadrangle, attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Later in the evening, a grand state banquet will be held in St George’s Hall, featuring a six-metre Nordmann fir Christmas tree adorned with 3,000 lights and shimmering green and gold ornaments.

On the following morning, President Steinmeier will privately lay flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel. He will then join the King and Queen for a reception aimed at highlighting the impact of volunteering in communities. This state visit marks the first time a German president has been hosted in the UK for 27 years and is only the fifth such visit from Germany since 1958.

This trip also represents the third inward state visit for King Charles this year, following visits from French President Emmanuel Macron in July and US President Donald Trump in September. President Steinmeier has visited the UK multiple times, most recently for the coronation of Their Majesties in May 2023.

In addition to royal engagements, President Steinmeier is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon and will participate in discussions with UK and German business leaders. He is also set to address Parliament on Thursday. On Friday, the president and his wife will visit the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral, which was bombed during the Second World War, to lay a wreath in remembrance of the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz, which resulted in significant loss of life and destruction.