The King has celebrated the “special bond” between the UK and Germany as he became the first British monarch to address the Bundestag during his historic state visit to the country.
Speaking in both German and English, Charles said he could “hardly begin to express the pride” he felt in the relationship between the two countries and spoke fondly of his “cherished” family ties to Germany.
He also thanked the country for its kindness following the death of his mother, the late Queen. He said: “Today, it gives me particular pride to be with you … and to renew the special bond between our two countries. “This friendship meant so much to my beloved mother, the late Queen, who often spoke of the 15 official visits she made to Germany, including her five state visits. “The first of those, in 1965, came when our continent was still deeply scarred by war, and the trauma of conflict.
Hers was the wartime generation, and like my father, the Queen had served in uniform. “That my parents’ 11-day tour of Germany should prove to be a pivotal moment in the reconciliation between our nations was, therefore, a matter of great personal significance to them both. “My mother understood the immense achievement that reconciliation represented, and in returning to Germany time and again, she was determined to play her own part.
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