You hear a lot about the soft power of the monarchy.
But there was definitely a hard message for the King to deliver during his first state visit.
This was a diplomatic mission to sell Britain, a post-Brexit PR push.
One of the themes of this trip has been reconciliation.
The King spoke of the late Queen’s pride at having played a pivotal role back in 1965, when she visited West Germany.
Her trip was seen by many as a watershed moment, helping restore post-war relations.
He arrived in Germany, post-Brexit, to help reaffirm the Anglo-German friendship which was so special to his mother.
King’s historic speech to German parliament was both serious and personal – with one glaring omission
King gets stuck into making cheese on Germany visit – then eats cake shaped like a crown
King references Ukraine, his mother and Kraftwerk but not Brexit in historic German parliament speech
We’re told the visit was a celebration of the relationship, but it was much more. It was about renewing alliances after years of Brexit divisions.
The President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, couldn’t resist mentioning Brexit during his state banquet toast, but there was no such talk from the King.
Germany wasn’t supposed to be his first stop, but political protests left the French trip postponed, leaving that handshake moment to the Germans.
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All the stops were pulled out. As soon as the King’s plane entered German airspace, jets escorted it into Berlin. They did the same on the way home too.
We have seen in three days, many firsts. From a welcome ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate, to a speech delivered on the floor of the German parliament.
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The words were drafted by the government, but delivered in a mix of German and English with many references to the Queen, the sentiment sounded personal and heartfelt.
The speech also felt more political than many given by the late Queen. Speaking of the Second World War, and the “scourge of war” returning with the conflict in Ukraine.
Read more:
Historic speech to German parliament had one glaring omission
King gets stuck into making cheese – then eats cake shaped like a crown
Poignant first state visit reaffirms Anglo-German relations
The two-minute standing ovation showed it was well-received.
All the engagements had been arranged to showcase shared values and common interests, including the climate crisis, cultural and support for Ukraine.
You get a strong sense from both sides, the trip went well.
It’s often been said that the Queen was the secret weapon of British diplomacy.
She completed 121 state visits during her reign.
The King has just finished his first.
