King Charles holds Christmas-themed banquet for German president
St. George’s Hall was transformed with winter greenery and a 20-foot Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights. The guest list of 152 included political leaders, diplomats, and cultural figures. While state banquets typically showcase pageantry, Charles used his speech, prepared with ministerial guidance, to deliver a political message. “The UK and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression,” he said.
Switching between English and German, Charles reflected on centuries of shared culture and “the most terrible consequences of conflict.” He also noted that social and political upheavals since the fall of the Berlin Wall could be “unsettling and even frightening,” cautioning that “Fear can lead to anger and resentment.” He called for a renewed defense of “democracy, freedom and the rule of law.”
Steinmeier affirmed that Germany stood “side by side in support of Ukraine” and shared a lighter historical note, highlighting that the Christmas tree tradition was introduced to Britain at Windsor Castle in 1800 by Queen Charlotte, the German wife of George III.
Senior royals present included Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Charles added moments of humor, joking about the traditional football rivalry, saying, “One has to admit some element of truth in the famous description of football as a game where 11 people play 11 people and then, in the end, Germany win!” He also described a horse-drawn royal coach as “the ultimate low-emissions vehicle.”
Earlier, Steinmeier met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, noting that relations were in “far better shape” after years of post-Brexit tensions. Meanwhile, the anti-monarchy group Republic criticized police for preventing them from displaying a banner and using a loudhailer, calling it a “disgraceful attack on free speech.” Police stated they facilitated a peaceful protest and acted only to avoid disruption and protect nearby animals, with no arrests made.
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