As King Charles created history by becoming the first British monarch to address the Bundestag, King Charles declared to his mother that the UK’s connection with Germany was “extremely special.”
He claimed that beginning in 1965, when it was still “scarred” by the war, she frequently visited the nation, which is “probably the reason why she has won such a precious part in the hearts of all Germans.”
Speaking in both German and English, he said he could ‘hardly begin to express the pride’ he felt in the relationship and spoke fondly of his ‘cherished’ family ties to Germany.
He also thanked the country for its kindness and ‘deep sympathies’ following the death of his mother, the late Queen.
Charles said: ‘Today, it gives me particular pride to be with you … and to renew the special bond between our two countries.
‘This friendship meant so much to my beloved mother, the late Queen, who often spoke of the 15 official visits she made to Germany, including her five state visits.
‘The first of those, in 1965, came when our continent was still deeply scarred by war, and the trauma of conflict. Hers was the wartime generation, and like my father, the Queen had served in uniform.
‘That my parents’ 11-day tour of Germany should prove to be a pivotal moment in the reconciliation between our nations was, therefore, a matter of great personal significance to them both.
‘My mother understood the immense achievement that reconciliation represented, and in returning to Germany time and again, she was determined to play her own part. It is, perhaps, for this reason that Her late Majesty won a particular place in the affection of the German people.’
He also drew laughs by poking fun at the rivalry between the two nations on the football pitch, including the Lioness’s victory over Germany in last year’s Euros.
The monarch hailed it as ‘just one example of how our countries, together, can offer a compelling example to the world’.
He went on to praise Germany for supporting Ukraine, saying Russia’s invasion ‘threatens’ security across Europe.
To more applause, he went on: ‘We are deeply shocked by the destruction, but we can be encouraged by our unity when it comes to defending Ukraine, peace, and freedom.
‘Germany’s decision to provide such military support to Ukraine is considered to be very welcome and very important by the world at large.’
The King also touched on climate change leadership and praised their joint work in developing offshore wind capability, as well as the use of hydrogen, which he describes as ‘the fuel which could transform our future’.
‘This essential partnership between our two countries is built on the expertise, dedication, and ingenuity of countless people in both Germany and the United Kingdom,’ Charles added.
‘To them all, I can only offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude.’
Concluding the address, he said: ‘In the long and remarkable story of our two countries, there are many chapters yet unwritten.
‘Let us fill these with the restless pursuit of a better tomorrow. The legacy of our past, and the great promise of our future, demand nothing less.’