King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla Will Make Their First State Visit to France and Germany
King Charles hosted the first State Visit of his reign last November when he welcomed South Africa’s President to Buckingham Palace. And now details of his first State Visit as a guest have been revealed, with Buckingham Palace announcing that he and the Queen Consort will travel to France and Germany later this month.
“The King and The Queen Consort’s first State Visit of the new reign, to France and Germany, will take place from Sunday 26th March to Friday 31st March 2023,” the Palace said in a statement today. “The visit will celebrate Britain’s relationship with France and Germany, marking our shared histories, culture and values. It will also provide an opportunity to look forwards and demonstrate the many ways the U.K. is working in partnership with France and Germany, whether that be to tackle climate change; respond to the conflict in Ukraine; seize trade and investment opportunities or share the best of our arts and culture.”
As with all State Visits, the trip is taking place at the request of the British Government following invitations from the host countries. It is the first State Visit of a British monarch to both countries since Brexit and is an opportunity to strengthen links following the U.K’s exit from the European Union in 2020.
Highlights of the itinerary in France include a State Banquet hosted by President and Mrs. Macron at the Palace of Versailles, and a ceremony of Remembrance and wreath laying at the Arc de Triomphe. The King will make an address in the chamber at the French Senate, the first time a member of the British royal family has done so, and the Queen Consort will join Mrs. Macron to officially open the new Manet and Degas exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay.
The couple will also visit Bordeaux where they will mark the opening of the British Consulate in the city and tour an organic vineyard, which has pioneered a sustainable approach to wine making. The King will also witness the devastation caused by last summer’s wildfires in the region as well as hearing from emergency workers and the community.
In Germany, the couple will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Wednesday 29 May where they will be met by President Steinmeier and Frau Büdenbender. A State Banquet hosted by the Presidential couple will also take place that evening at Bellevue Palace. During their time in the country, the King will address the Bundestag, the German Federal Parliament, and the Queen Consort will visit the Komische Oper in Berlin.
The King will also meet refugees recently arrived from Ukraine and hear about the support Germany provides for them. The couple will also carry out engagements in Brandenburg and Hamburg focussed on remembrance and the environment.
“As well as speaking to the strength of the U.K.’s bilateral relationships with France and Germany, their Majesties’ visits will include engagements highlighting the importance of sustainability and community – key themes which have been embraced by citizens of all our countries,” Buckingham Palace said. “There will also be opportunities to reflect on the sacrifices and challenges of our shared past, out of which has come an enduring legacy of cooperation and reconciliation.”
This is the King’s 35th official visit to France, and 29th official visit to Germany. Camilla has undertaken 8 official visits to France, and 3 to Germany. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip undertook a State Visit to France in 2014 and to Germany in 2015.
You Might Also Like
