On Thursday, March 30, Britain’s King Charles III became the first British monarch to address the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, paying tribute to the two countries’ deep and long-standing ties, glamsquad reports
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The British monarch is in Germany with the Queen Consort for the first state visit of his reign, which will last until Friday.
In his speech, Charles alternated between German and English, saying it was a “great honor” to address the Bundestag and that he was proud to be in Berlin to “renew the special bond of friendship between our two countries.”
He stated that the friendship between the two countries “meant so much to my beloved mother,” who frequently spoke of her visits to the country.
Charles then addressed the conflict in Ukraine, praising the countries’ support for Kyiv.
“Countless lives have been lost; freedom and human dignity have been brutally trampled.” “Europe’s security, as well as our democratic values, have been jeopardized,” he said.
“Although we despise the heinous scenes of destruction, we can take heart from our unity – in defense of Ukraine, peace, and freedom.”
“Many chapters remain unwritten in our two countries’ long and remarkable story.” Let us fill these with the ardent pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. “The legacy of our past, and the great promise of our future, demand nothing less,” he concluded, before receiving a nearly two-minute standing ovation.
Following his speech in the Reichstag, the King will visit a refugee center that assists Ukrainians who have been displaced by the war.
Charles’ three-day visit to Germany is his 29th official visit, though he has visited the country more than 40 times.
King Charles III has become the first British monarch to address German politicians from the Bundestag, while the parliament is in session, during his historic state visit to the country. pic.twitter.com/qkgoPb47Y0
— The Royal Family Channel (@RoyalFamilyITNP) March 30, 2023