German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, arrived in London on Dec. 3 for a formal state visit.
They were received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, who escorted the presidential party to Windsor Castle for a meeting and lunch with King Charles and Queen Camilla. After the royal engagement, Steinmeier is due to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This is the first visit by a German president to the United Kingdom in 27 years. The visit is intended to reinforce the Kensington Treaty signed by both governments in July, which emphasizes enhanced military and business cooperation and includes proposals for a direct rail link between the two countries.
Migration control is also high on the agenda. UK authorities, citing the National Crime Agency, have said that equipment used to cross the English Channel was stored in Germany—an issue both governments are expected to address during the visit.
An anti-monarchy group staged a protest during the royal procession and accused police of preventing them from displaying a banner. Thames Valley Police said they had "facilitated a peaceful protest," asked demonstrators to move to a designated area and restricted the use of a bullhorn when horses were present.
"Everyone has a right to protest, but if these demonstrations become disruptive or a threat to the public or animals in the procession, we will take appropriate action," the force said.
Later in the day, the president and his wife are scheduled to visit an English football club and Judith Kerr Primary School, named for the noted German-born author, continuing a programme of cultural and civic engagements.
