Charles spoke as tensions between Europe and Russia appeared to intensity this week after Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv’s European allies of sabotaging US-led efforts to end the war.

The King’s comments were made during a Windsor Castle state banquet staged in honour of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and in a lighter moment the King quipped about his nation’s football prowess, saying “in the end, the Germans win”.

Charles told guests seated in St George’s Hall: “With regard to shared defence, our German-British Bridging Battalion at Minden – which I visited during our state visit two years ago – is literally building bridges, a unique partnership at the heart of Nato.

“And more broadly, of course, the United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe aga

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