Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expects a visit from the new British King Charles III in the not too distant future. in Germany. Charles told him on Sunday that he would try to come soon, Steinmeier said on ZDF on Monday. It is true that Charles now initially has obligations towards the Commonwealth countries. “But I am confident that he will not only remain interested in Germany, but will also underline this interest with a visit.”
Steinmeier said in London in the ZDF interview: “When we spoke on the phone last week and I conveyed the sympathy of the Germans after the death of his mother, I pointed out his many visits to Germany and of course also said that we would like to see him in his new role (…) in Germany. He immediately referred to it last night when we met at reception and said he would try to come.” Charles has been to Germany 30 times, knows the country well and also speaks German. It is often underestimated how much he has done for the German-British relationship.
Steinmeier impressed by the funeral service
Steinmeier was impressed by the funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey. “I have the impression it was exactly what people wanted.” When asked about his personal experience with the Queen, Steinmeier said she was “much less stiff” than he initially thought. You could easily talk to her. She was also extremely interested in Germany.
Steinmeier recalled the Queen’s first state visit to Germany in 1965, when the wounds of war in Great Britain had of course not yet healed. The Queen played a very important role in reconciling the two former wartime enemies. “There were still skeptics who were of the opinion during this state visit in 1965 that it was actually too early,” said Steinmeier.
