Speech by King Charles III to the German Bundestag

King Charles III gave a speech to Members of the German Bundestag on Thursday, 30 March 2023. The King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was in Germany together with Queen Consort Camilla as part of a state visit. President of the Bundestag Bärbel Bas welcomed her guest in an opening address.

Second speech in the Reichstag Building

It was not, however, the first time the British Head of State spoke in the Reichstag Building. Nearly three years ago, on 15 November 2020, as the Prince of Wales, he gave a speech at the main commemorative event held by the German War Graves Commission, in his capacity as heir to the throne. The ceremony of remembrance honouring the victims of war and tyranny took place against the backdrop of German-British friendship 75 years after the end of the war.

King Charles was thus the first member of the British royal family to take part in the ceremony of remembrance, which is traditionally held in the plenary chamber of the Reichstag Building in Berlin under the patronage of the President of the Bundestag. Most recently, King Charles III received the Bundestag President during her visit to the United Kingdom for an audience at Buckingham Palace on 22 February 2023, at which she congratulated the King on his accession to the throne. (eis/30.03.2023)