Centuries of shared military history were brought to life as the Armed Forces provided a spectacular ceremonial welcome for Germany's President and First Lady at Windsor Castle. It was the first visit by a German President in 27 years.
The Quadrangle at the German state visit in Windsor Castle on 3rd December 2025.
The Queen and First Lady Elke Büdenbender arrive at the Quadrangle for the German state visit in Windsor Castle.
The Captain of the Guard of Honour invites The German President to inspect the Guard of Honour.
The Captain of the Guard of Honour escorts The German President, accompanied by His Majesty The King, to inspect the Guard of Honour.
The German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by His Majesty The King, inspect the Guard of Honour.
The Prince and Princess of Wales leave the Quadrangle after the German state visit in Windsor Castle.
Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery march past His Majesty the King on the Quadrangle for the German state visit in Windsor Castle.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender were greeted with the full splendour of British military tradition during their State Visit to the UK from 3 to 5 December, hosted by Their Majesties The King and The Queen.
Centuries of cooperation and partnership celebrated
More than 950 personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force worked impressively to deliver the ceremonial aspects of the visit. The display celebrated a defence partnership dating from the Hanseatic League of the Middle Ages, and best epitomised by the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, when British and German forces combined to defeat Napoleon.
On the 3rd December at the precise moment President Steinmeier stepped onto the Royal Pavilion in Datchet Road, a 41-gun Royal Salute was fired simultaneously from Windsor Home Park by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and from the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.
Carriage procession
The President and First Lady travelled with Their Majesties in a ceremonial carriage procession to Windsor Castle, accompanied by a Sovereign's Escort from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Cavalrymen in plumed helmets rode Irish chargers through streets decorated with German and British flags as crowds gathered to watch.
A Guard of Honour provided by the Grenadier Guards awaited the procession in the Castle Quadrangle. The regiment fought alongside German forces at Waterloo and still wears the bearskin caps taken from the French as battle honours.
Major Ben Tracey, Captain of the Guard of Honour, asked President Steinmeier in fluent German if he would inspect the troops. The President reviewed the Guard accompanied by His Majesty as the band played Beethoven's 'Marsch des Yorck'schen Korps'.
An evolving relationship
The ceremonial welcome reflects the UK-German military relationship that has evolved over 80 years. British Forces Germany, which comprised 55,000 soldiers at the height of the Cold War, now maintains a smaller but vital presence focused on NATO readiness and training.
The UK-led NATO Support and Training Command in Paderborn-Sennelager trained approximately 26,000 troops, mostly British, in 2024. The German-British Amphibious Engineer Battalion in Minden demonstrates practical military cooperation, with 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron Royal Engineers operating seamlessly alongside their German colleagues.
The 2024 Trinity House Agreement has deepened defence ties through joint projects including advanced bridging systems, torpedoes, future combat air systems, and maritime and cyber defence collaboration.
Banquets and discussions seal the deal
Military support continued throughout the visit. The Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra performed German and popular music at the State Banquet back in St George's Hall, Windsor Castle. Pipers from the Scots Guards concluded the first day's proceedings with traditional reels.
On 4 December, The Household Cavalry provided ceremonial duties when President Steinmeier addressed Parliament, whilst the Honourable Artillery Company mounted a Guard of Honour at the Guildhall for a banquet given by The Lady Mayor and the City of London Corporation, and guests were once more entertained by military music and fanfares.
Major General James Bowder, General Officer Commanding the Household Division, commanded all personnel involved in the ceremonial programme. The display showcased the precision and professionalism of Britain's Armed Forces whilst honouring a partnership vital to NATO and continued European security.
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