LONDON

Britain's King Charles III welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Windsor Castle on Wednesday for a glittering, Christmas-themed state banquet aimed at reinforcing diplomatic ties as Europe confronts the ongoing war in Ukraine.

St. George’s Hall was transformed for the occasion, decorated with winter greenery and a 20-foot Christmas tree illuminated by thousands of lights.

The guest list of 152 included political leaders, diplomats and cultural figures.

Although state banquets are designed to showcase soft power and pageantry, Charles used his speech, drafted with ministerial advice, to deliver a political message.

“The UK and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression,” he said.

Switching between English and German, he reflected on centuries of shared culture as well as the “most terrible consequences of conflict.”

He noted that the social and political upheavals since the fall of the Berlin Wall could be “unsettling and even frightening,” warning: “Fear can lead to anger and resentment.” He urged a renewed defense of “democracy, freedom and the rule of law.”

Steinmeier replied that Germany stood “side by side in support of Ukraine.”

He also offered a lighter historical note, pointing out that the Christmas tree tradition was introduced to Britain at Windsor Castle in 1800 by Queen Charlotte, the German wife of George III.

Senior royals attended the event, including Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

The Charles allowed himself moments of humor, joking about the traditional football rivalry between the nations.

“One has to admit some element of truth in the famous description of football as a game where 11 people play 11 people and then, in the end, Germany win!”

He also described a horse-drawn royal coach as “the ultimate low-emissions vehicle.”

Steinmeier earlier met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, noting that relations were in “far better shape” after years of post-Brexit tensions.

The anti-monarchy group Republic said police prevented them from displaying a banner and using a loudhailer, calling it a “disgraceful attack on free speech.”

Police said they had “facilitated a peaceful protest” and acted only to avoid disruption and protect nearby animals, adding that no arrests were made.