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King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla arrive in Germany for state visit

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla begin Germany state visit - all the photos from day one

The King and Queen Consort are visiting Berlin and Hamburg

Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
Updated: March 29, 2023
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King Charles and the Queen Consort arrived in Berlin on Wednesday for the start of their state visit. It comes hours after Camilla paid tribute to TV star Paul O'Grady, who died at the age of 67, saying she was "deeply saddened" to hear of his sudden passing.

Charles and Camilla were greeted by a twenty-one gun salute and a fly-past after landing at Berlin-Brandenburg Government Airport.

The King looked smart in a black overcoat with a blue patterned tie, while the Queen Consort donned a cornflower blue coat dress with a matching hat - in a nod to Germany's national flower.

WATCH: The King and Queen Consort arrive in Germany for first visit in new roles

The couple arrived in Berlin ahead of their ceremonial welcome at Brandenburg Gate, where they were greeted by Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

MORE:  Could King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla break with late Queen's tradition this spring?

King Charles and Queen Consort arrive in Berlin for their three-day state visit© Getty
King Charles and Queen Consort arrive in Berlin for their three-day state visit

Charles and Camilla will be guests of honour in the evening at a state banquet at the presidential palace, Schloss Bellevue.

HELLO! is bringing you all of the best photos from the first day of the couple's visit to Germany…

The royal couple will undertake a series of engagements in the country© Getty
The royal couple will undertake a series of engagements in the country

Their Majesties were initially met by State Secretary Dörte Dinger, the Chief of German Protocol at the Foreign Ministry, Mr Till Knorn, and the British Ambassador to Germany, Jill Gallard.  

The King and Queen Consort were greeted by a delegation shortly after landing in Germany.© Getty
The King and Queen Consort were greeted by a delegation shortly after landing in Germany

The monarch and his wife had been due to visit France on the first leg of the trip, but the visit has been postponed amid widespread French protests over President Emmanuel Macron's retirement age reforms.

The couple appeared in great spirits despite postponing their visit to France© Getty
The couple appeared in great spirits despite postponing their visit to France

President Macron said the couple's four-day state visit was likely to be rescheduled for the beginning of summer, after Downing Street confirmed the French leader had asked the British Government to postpone the trip.

Camilla was presented with some beautiful flowers© Getty
Camilla was presented with some beautiful flowers

The royal visits are designed to celebrate Britain’s relationship with Germany and France, highlighting our shared histories, cultures, and values.

The couple will attend engagements in Berlin and Brandenburg during their trip© Getty
The couple will attend engagements in Berlin and Brandenburg during their trip

The couple's visit to Germany will include engagements highlighting the importance of sustainability and community and the strengths of the British-German relationship. 

LOOK: King Charles' coronation – which royal family members are attending?

The monarch has been a frequent visitor to Germany, with this being his 29th official visit. Her Majesty, meanwhile, has undertaken three official visits to the country.

The King and Queen Consort waving to royal watchers© Getty
The King and Queen Consort waved to royal watchers

It's the couple's first time in the country as King and Queen Consort, however, and they have received a warm welcome. 

The couple received a ceremonial welcome at Brandenburg Gate© Getty
The couple received a ceremonial welcome at Brandenburg Gate

A ceremonial welcome took place at Brandenburg Gate on Wednesday afternoon, in honour of the royal couple's three-day trip. The Brandenburg Gate used to divide East and West Germany and is now considered a symbol of togetherness and unity. 

The King and Queen Consort with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender at Brandenburg Gate © Getty
The King and Queen Consort with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender at Brandenburg Gate

Charles and Camilla were hosted by the German head of state, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife Elke Büdenbender. 

The couple visited the presidential Bellevue Palace in Berlin© Getty
The couple visited the presidential palace in Berlin

The royals also visited the presidential palace, Schloss Bellevue, where they will later attend a state banquet. 

The King inspecting a guard of honour at Brandenburg Gate© Getty
The King inspecting a guard of honour at Brandenburg Gate

The ceremonial welcome included a guard of honour for the King, who was visiting for the first time since the death of his mother, the late Queen, last year.  The trip will give the two countries the chance to celebrate the many ways they are working together on issues including climate change, the conflict in Ukraine and sharing arts and culture.

The Queen Consort with the German President's wife Elke Buedenbender© Getty
The Queen Consort with the German President's wife Elke Buedenbender

The Queen Consort looked stunning in her cornflower blue outfit alongside the equally stylish Elke Büdenbender. 

German well-wishers greeted the royal couple© Getty
Local well-wishers greeted the royal couple

Local dignitaries weren't the only ones to welcome the King and Queen consort, as royal fans gathered to wave British and German flags and share their well wishes. 

Later in the evening, the royals gathered for a state banquet, and they couldn't have looked smarter. The Queen Consort wowed in a sparkling black and silver dress that she accessorised with a statement tiara while the King wore a coat and tails. 

Camilla and Charles at the German banquet© Getty
The royal couple looked so smart

The guests of honour mixed with a host of German dignitaries, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel. 

The royal couple outside Wednesday's banquet© Getty
The royal couple looked so smart at Wednesday's banquet

LISTEN: Why Charles is being strict with the coronation guest list


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