UK

King makes history as first British monarch to address German parliament – as he vows to ‘renew special bond’

King makes history as first British monarch to address German parliament - as he vows to 'renew special bond'

The King spoke about politics, history and “renewing the pledge of friendship” as he became the first British monarch to address the German parliament.

The overwhelming message of the speech, parts of which were in German, was one of renewing the “special bond of friendship” between the two countries, which he said meant so much to his mother, the late Queen.

“Germany is the only country worldwide with whom the UK has such a joint unit,” the King said.

“I can hardly begin to express the pride I feel in the strength of the partnership between our two countries.”

Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock said that despite there being no mention of Brexit, the speech focused on “looking ahead” in a post-Brexit age.

King Charles speech in Germany
King Charles in the Bundestag

Throughout the address, which was intermittently interrupted by rounds of applause from members of the Bundestag, the King did not shy away from making references to the war in Ukraine as well as the Second World War.

The King’s speech has been the most anticipated event on his agenda during the three-day trip to Germany.

After arriving in Berlin on Wednesday, the King spoke at a state banquet hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, where he pledged to “strengthen the connections” between the UK and Germany.

The King again addressed guests in both English and German, praising the two countries’ shared values and paying tribute to the “enduring value” of the two countries’ relationship.

He stressed that he was “utterly convinced” the bond between them “will grow ever stronger”.

On Thursday, the King also met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Pic: AP
Image:
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes King Charles. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, he is set to tour the Tegel Refugee Centre, where he will visit some of the one million Ukrainian refugees seeking sanctuary in Germany.

The Queen Consort will separately visit a community centre, Refugio House, a meeting place for new Berlin residents, including refugees.