3 Apr 2023

Thomas Sparrow: King Charles' debut on the world stage

From Nine To Noon, 9:49 am on 3 April 2023
Britain's King Charles III and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier inspect a guard of honour during a ceremonial welcome at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, on March 29, 2023. - Britain's King Charles III began his first state visit, having postponed a trip to France due to widespread political protests. Charles will undertake engagements in the German capital and in Brandenburg before heading to Hamburg during the three-day tour. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Photo: AFP

Germany is the first international destination for King Charles since he taking the throne. His Majesty spent three days in Berlin, Brandenburg and Hamburg in a visit full of symbolism: King Charles is the first foreign head of state to be welcomed with military honours at the emblematic Brandenburg Gate, in central Berlin. He also became the first monarch to deliver a speech before the German Parliament, delivery part of it in fluent German, Thomas say the visit helped Germans to momentarily forget some of the major problems the country is facing, including Germany's biggest strike in decades.