Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales, were pleased to receive the Federal President of Germany, His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Mrs. Büdenbender, for a State Visit at Windsor Castle. The distinguished guests were accorded a ceremonial welcome, featuring a carriage procession and a Guard of Honour, culminating in a glittering State Banquet attended by senior members of the Royal Family and esteemed dignitaries.

Windsor Castle was resplendent with seasonal adornments for the occasion, most notably a magnificent twenty-five-foot Nordmann Fir, sourced from the Crown Estate of Windsor Great Park and erected within St. George’s Hall. The tree, a festive centrepiece, was elegantly embellished with over fifteen thousand twinkling lights. The ambience throughout the banquet was one of refined seasonal celebration.

Earlier in the day, The Prince and Princess of Wales undertook the honour of greeting the presidential party upon their arrival at Heathrow Airport.

For the evening’s banquet, The Princess of Wales captivated in an exquisite blue gown, accessorised with notable heirloom jewels. She wore the renowned tiara originally commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, a masterpiece of diamond and ruby craftsmanship, accompanied by complementary drop earrings. Their Royal Highnesses conveyed their anticipation for the event in a shared photograph.

🇬🇧 🇩🇪 The King and Queen, and The Prince and Princess of Wales, have welcomed The Federal President of Germany and Ms. Büdenbender to Windsor Castle.

Der König und die Königin sowie der Prinz und die Prinzessin von Wales haben den Bundespräsidenten und Frau Büdenbender auf… pic.twitter.com/USQHsfJdCG

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 3, 2025

The Queen Consort also selected a sophisticated blue ensemble, accentuated with diamond jewellery, while The Princess Royal attended in a tailored white suit and understated accessories.

The banquet, attended by over one hundred and fifty guests from political, diplomatic, business, and cultural spheres—including the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer—featured a thoughtfully curated menu reflecting both British and German culinary traditions.

In their addresses, His Majesty The King and President Steinmeier eloquently emphasised the enduring spirit of cooperation between their two nations and across Europe. Demonstrating a gracious personal touch, The King delivered portions of his remarks in fluent German. President Steinmeier, in turn, noted with appreciation that the tradition of the Christmas tree, so central to Windsor’s decorations, originated in Germany, observing that it was introduced to the British court by Queen Charlotte, consort to King George III, at Windsor in the year 1800.