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.
Crowds have started gathering outside Windsor Castle
Members of the public have already started to secure their place along the procession route outside Windsor Castle.
Metal barriers have been erected along the route, while sand covers the road to provide protection for the horses that will soon pull the carriages.
This state visit is different from the of Donald Trump, when the public were unable to catch a glimpse of the US President due to security concerns.
This time, police are expecting over 3,000 members of the public to line the streets and wave as the carriage procession passes by.
The public start queueing up to catch a glimpse of the royals (Image: Emily Ferguson)
Flags and road closures outside Windsor Castle (Image: Emily Ferguson)
Windsor Castle all set for the German guests
Windsor Castle is all ready to welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, former judge Elke Budenbender.
After the pomp and pageantry this morning, the Germans will be treated to a glittering state banquet in Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall, which this time will feature quite the backdrop.
The six-metre (19.6ft) Nordmann fir, which has been decorated for Christmas at Windsor Castle, has been illuminated with 3,000 lights and decked out in shimmering green and gold ornaments and stretches up to the vaulted ceiling, with garlands adorning the room’s balconies.
Some 160 guests will dine on a nearly 50-metre-long (164ft) mahogany table which runs the entire length of the hall. They will also be served a bespoke cocktail created specially for the occasion – a tradition started by the King.