Royal couple to welcome German president during a high-profile visit to Windsor
King Charles is preparing to host the German president and his wife at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, and William and Catherine will take on a key role as they welcome the foreign guests on his behalf. Local reports say President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, will be received by the Prince and Princess of Wales at Heathrow tomorrow before travelling on to Windsor.
The visit marks the third major state occasion of the year. According to the Mirror, after a carriage ride through the town to the castle, the president will be greeted with a formal ceremony in the quadrangle attended by the King, Queen Camilla, William and Catherine. A state banquet will follow in St George’s Hall on Wednesday evening.
On Thursday, the president is expected to lay flowers at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel. He will later join the King and Queen at a Big Help Out reception highlighting community volunteering.
News of William and Catherine appearing together has already prompted speculation online about what Catherine might wear for the occasion. Many expect her to choose a familiar British label, though some believe she may opt for a German designer as a nod to the visiting head of state.
Their joint engagement comes as rumours persist that they may skip the King’s private Christmas lunch this year. Even so, their public role at the airport counters claims that any decision to miss the event would stem from tension within the family. Whether they attend or not, the move appears unlikely to be tied to the speculation surrounding royal relations.
