King Charles III became the first Monarch to address Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, as part of his high-profile visit.
Speaking to lawmakers and other dignitaries in the packed lower house, King Charles stressed the close bonds between the United Kingdom and Germany going back centuries, including his own family links to the royal House of Hannover, and the present-day economic, scientific, cultural and military cooperation between the two countries.
King Charles averred that London and Berlin have provided considerable aid to Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russia’s invasion, a point that will appeal to German government officials more used to hearing how their country is not doing enough to help Kyiv.
“Germany’s decision to provide so much military support to Ukraine is extremely brave, important and welcome.”
King Charles III
Speaking mostly in fluent German, the King of Britain noted how the intertwined history of the two nations could be seen in the home of the Bundestag itself. Heavily damaged during the war, the Reichstag building’s restoration in the 1990s was capped with a glass cupola designed by British architect, Norman Foster intended to be a symbol for transparency and accountability.
“From here the citizens can actually watch their politicians work. Democracy in action,” he said.
King Charles made gentle jokes about soccer rivalry, national humor and mutual admiration for each other’s cultures, from the Beatles to Kraftwerk and Brahms to Byron. Charles briefly touched on the grim history of Nazism and World War II.
“Heeding the lessons of the past is our sacred responsibility, but it can only be fully discharged through a commitment to our shared future.
“Together we must be vigilant against threats to our values and freedoms, and resolute in our determination to confront them. Together we must strive for the security, prosperity and well-being that our people deserve.”
King Charles III
King Charles III spoke warmly of the cultural ties between the two countries, noting that the first Shakespeare association was established not in England, but in Weimar, and that the music of George Frideric Handel will be played at his coronation in May.
Also, the King thanked the German people for their “extraordinary kindness” following the death of the Queen last September.
King Charles concluded his speech by saying that, “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”
Before his speech, King Charles met briefly with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and visited a farmers market in Berlin.
King Charles Meets Ukrainian Refugees
After his speech, King Charles had the chance to meet Ukrainian refugees at an arrival centre, with temporary accommodation, at a former airport in Berlin.
The King has already praised Germany’s “extraordinary hospitality” towards people fleeing the war in Ukraine – more than a million have arrived in the country since the start of the conflict.
In his speech a little earlier, Charles referred to the “scourge of war” returning to Europe with the invasion of Ukraine. He said Germany and the UK had shown “vital leadership” as two of the largest donors to Ukraine
Charles has spoken to the Bundestag before, at an event in 2020 commorating the victims of World War II, though he was still the Prince of Wales at the time.
The British Monarch will also visit a joint UK/German military unit in Brandenburg today. He and his wife Camilla will end the day at an organic farm.
On Friday, March 31, 2023, the royal couple will set off for Hamburgto tour a renewable energy project. This will be followed by a commemoration of the victims of 1943 air raids over the city.
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