King Charles Russia Europe Pledge: UK & Germany Back Ukraine

Published: 04 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

King Charles has publicly condemned Russian aggression and vowed to bolster Europe alongside Germany. The UK and Germany are committed to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe. Hosting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Charles highlighted the significance of the Kensington treaty, marking the first formal post-World War II pact between the two nations.

The treaty outlines closer cooperation on defence, migration, trade, and education, signaling a strong UK-German alliance. During a state banquet at Windsor Castle, Charles reflected on past conflicts, noting that “acknowledgment of suffering has created a basis for honest friendship today.”

He emphasized shared values and a mutual vision for the future, declaring that both countries will stand with Ukraine. Steinmeier, seated beside the Princess of Wales, reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen human ties weakened by Brexit. He also stressed the need for collective security in Europe, echoing Charles’s message.

Earlier, the German president received a 41-gun royal salute, military honors, and a celebratory Royal Standard flag at Windsor Castle. The king and Queen Camilla accompanied Steinmeier and his wife on a carriage ride through Windsor, marking the beginning of the three-day visit.

Steinmeier will also visit Coventry cathedral, bombed during the Second World War, as part of the historic itinerary. At 10 Downing Street, he noted that UK-German relations have improved considerably since the post-Brexit period, thanks to the Kensington treaty’s initiatives. Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the countries’ close cooperation on Ukraine, migration, economic growth, and trade.

The state banquet embraced a festive Christmas theme, featuring deep red poinsettias, bright berries, mini fir trees, and a six-metre Christmas tree adorned with 3,000 lights. German supermodel Claudia Schiffer, film director Sir Matthew Vaughn, and composer Hans Zimmer were among the 152 guests. The Princess of Wales wore Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara, reflecting German heritage.

A black forest gateau cocktail was specially prepared for the occasion, with a menu that included smoked trout tartlet, Windsor partridge supreme, and baked Alaska with triple-flavored ice cream. A German wine, Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich 2010, complemented the meal.

In a traditional exchange, Charles gifted a handmade walking stick and decorative plate to Steinmeier, receiving an umbrella and custom-made cheese in return. Meanwhile, anti-monarchy campaign group Republic criticized Thames Valley police over alleged restrictions on protests, which police stated were meant to ensure safety near horses during the procession.