Steinmeier in London: A state visit for friendship and reconciliation

Steinmeier in London: A state visit for friendship and reconciliation

On December 4, 2025, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier paid a historic visit to the United Kingdom. This state visit marks the first visit by a German head of state in 27 years, the last taking place in 1998. During his stay in London, Steinmeier was received with military honors at Windsor Castle and attended a state banquet held as part of his official visit. Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender were welcomed by King Charles III. and Queen Camilla were warmly welcomed, with a carriage ride through Windsor rounding off the festive ceremonies. What was particularly notable was that King Charles III. pointed out his German roots and called for closer relations between the two countries. He calls for deeper cooperation between Germany and Great Britain, which should be further consolidated by the recently signed Kensington Treaty, which aims to strengthen cooperation after Brexit.

In his speech in the evening, Steinmeier emphasized that “cities have blossomed from rubble and enemies have become friends.” He recalled the common fate and suffering that both nations suffered in the Second World War. The aim of the visit is also to take a clear look back at the dark chapters of history, particularly the actions of the Nazis in Great Britain. As part of this commemoration, Steinmeier will visit Coventry Cathedral on Friday, which was destroyed by German bombs during World War II.

A memorable day of remembrance in Coventry

It will be a particularly emotional day when Steinmeier joins the Duke of Kent in laying a wreath at Coventry Cathedral. This act will honor the victims of the bombings in both Coventry and Dresden. The Coventry Blitz in November 1940 resulted in the loss of 568 lives and the destruction of the venerable cathedral. During the commemoration, Steinmeier will also take part in a prayer service. The city of Coventry maintains close relations with the German cities of Kiel and Dresden, which symbolizes reconciliation between peoples.

The state visit included several other program items, including visits to the Bobby Moore Academy and the Victoria and Albert East Storehouse, which offered Steinmeier deeper insights into British society and its values. There was also an exchange with volunteers at Windsor Castle and a conversation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer about future economic and political cooperation.

Insight into history

Steinmeier also intends to visit the new Coventry Cathedral. He will also pay a visit to the graves of Queen Elizabeth II the evening before, reinforcing the celebratory nature of his visit. The Federal President will also be honored at the University of Oxford, where he will be awarded an honorary doctorate. This honor can be interpreted as a sign that German-British relations find not only historical but also academically relevant ground.

This third day of his inpatient visit rounds off an event that both takes a look into the past and paves the way for a friendly future. With his visit to Coventry and the actions that Steinmeier will undertake, it becomes clear that friendship and reconciliation are not just words, but tangible actions that are rooted in the shared history of the two nations.