German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will be welcomed to the UK today, as the red carpet and royal carriages will once again be rolled out at Windsor. The King and Queen will host the Federal President and the First Lady Elke Büdenbender at Windsor Castle from Wednesday to Friday.
The state visit, the third the King has hosted this year, marks a shift from the usual protocol that sees just two inbound state visits hosted each year. French President Emmanuel Macron was welcomed in June, and US President Donald Trump visited in September.
The first day of an official visit is marked by an impressive display of pomp and pageantry, with the guests enjoying a carriage procession through the Berkshire town – something Trump missed out on due to security concerns – a Guard of Honour in the Quadrangle of the castle and a glittering state banquet in the evening.
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