His Majesty King Charles III spoke at the Federal President's
state banquet, during the King's 2023 state visit to Germany, his
first state visit abroad.
Delivered in German:
Mr President, it is hard to know how to thank you enough for
those tremendously kind words, as well as for your unforgettable
hospitality this evening in such a magnificent setting.
It is wonderful to be in such large company tonight. It is nice
of you all, not to have left me alone with a ‘Dinner for One!’
My wife and I have been so deeply touched by the warmth of the
welcome that has been extended to us in Germany – just as we have
on each of our previous visits to this very special country.
Remarkably, I realize I have visited Germany more than 40 times –
a measure of the importance of this relationship, of course, but
also, I fear, of just how long I have been around!
From each visit I have retained the most treasured memories,
which I recall with great affection.
Delivered in English:
I think, Mr President, of the particular kindness and friendship
which you and Frau Büdenbender showed to both my wife and myself
on our last visits to Berlin in 2019 and 2020.
I also think fondly of the time my wife and I sampled Bavarian
sausages at a farmers’ market in Munich, and found ourselves
drinking beer and waltzing around at the Hofbräuhaus! I think I
can understand why St Boniface, an English monk, who is famous
for having preached in Germany, is also a patron saint of
brewers!
I recall, in particular, how much I have learnt from my visits
over the years about organic and agro-ecological farming, and I
credit German expertise with greatly improving my own farms and
soil. Indeed, I think we all have something to learn from
Germany’s enduring respect for what Goethe called ‘the sublime
language of nature’.
Over all these years, and in so many ways, I have been struck by
the warmth of the friendship between our nations and by the
vitality of our partnership in countless areas.
It was, Mr President, a friendship which mattered greatly to my
mother, The late Queen, who cared deeply about the bond between
our 2 countries. I did want to thank you all, once again, for the
profoundly touching messages of support and affection we received
from so many people in Germany following the sadness of her death
last year. Ladies and Gentlemen, your kindness meant more to my
family and myself than I can possibly express.
The relationship between Germany and the United Kingdom matters
greatly to me, too, Mr President, and I am more convinced than
ever of its enduring value to us all. It means so much to us that
my wife and I could come to Germany as part of this very first
overseas tour of my reign. I can only assure you, that throughout
the time that is granted to me as King, I will do all I can to
strengthen further the connections between us.
In this, I know that I will be supporting the extraordinary
efforts of countless people who contribute so much to the
relationship between the United Kingdom and Germany.
As I look around the room this evening, I see such talented and
dedicated individuals who embody the breadth of our partnership
in so many fields – engineering, technology, science, the
environment, the arts, education and so much more.
Our countries are working together to promote global health, to
help developing countries overcome their challenges and prosper,
and to advance the urgent and vital journey towards net zero.
And, of course, we stand side-by-side in protecting and advancing
our shared democratic values. This is epitomised so clearly today
as we stand together with Ukraine in defence of freedom and
sovereignty in the face of unprovoked aggression. In this regard,
I did want to pay a particular tribute to Germany’s extraordinary
hospitality in hosting over one million Ukrainian refugees. This,
it seems to me, so powerfully demonstrates the generosity of
spirit of the German people.
Delivered in German:
Mr President, Germany and the United Kingdom are deeply invested
in each other’ futures. I am utterly convinced that the
connections between us will grow ever stronger as, together, we
pursue a more sustainable, prosperous and secure future. Perhaps
the Ash tree that I planted in your beautiful garden this
afternoon might, in some small way, offer a symbol for the growth
and future flourishing of our partnership.
I hope, with all my heart, that my wife and I live long enough to
return to this wonderful city, to see how our tree has grown, and
to continue to play our part in this cherished friendship between
our 2 nations. Allow me to raise a toast: to you, Mr President
and Frau Büdenbender, and to a friendship which is not only
heartfelt, but in the truest sense of the word, sustainable.
Cheers!
