Prince Charles gave a commemorative speech in the Bundestag on Memorial Day and emphasized the importance of German-British friendship.
Royal visit to the German capital: On Sunday (November 15), Prince Charles (72) gave the commemorative speech on the day of national mourning in the German Bundestag. First, the 72-year-old British heir to the throne and his wife, Duchess Camilla (73), listened to the speech by Wolfgang Schneiderhan (74), President of the Volksbund, as well as young speakers from the youth projects "Peace Line" and "Never Such Innocence". The string ensemble Furiant Quartet and the Musikkorps der Bundeswehr Siegburg with soprano Kathleen Ziegner provided the musical accompaniment. Then the Prince of Wales came to the lectern.
Prince Charles begins his speech in German
"Dear Federal President," the heir to the throne began his speech in German. "It is a great honor to have been invited to speak on this occasion today." On this day he wanted to "renew the strong ties between our two countries". The prince remembered his first visit to Berlin over 50 years ago. He has now visited Germany more than 30 times.
In his speech, Prince Charles repeatedly switched between German and English, raved about German-British relations and emphasized how much both countries had inspired each other in science, music and art. Both have benefited significantly from each other and the relationship between the two nations has always been "more than just a business one". "The central bonds between us will remain strong. We will always be partners and allies."
"We have to stay vigilant"
Prince Charles also recalled the reconciliation between Germany and the United Kingdom after the Second World War and emphasized that 75 years after the end of the war, the two countries were "as unpredictable partners in almost all areas". Reconciliation is always a difficult but indispensable process. As grateful as one can be for what has been achieved, one should "not take it for granted", warned the heir to the throne.
Particularly in view of the upcoming "Brexit", it is very important to the Prince that the United Kingdom and Germany continue to work as close partners in the future, even if the relationship between the two countries changes again. "We must work together. We must remain vigilant and work tirelessly for mutual understanding and respect." The 72-year-old said: "Together we are an indispensable force for the good in the world." This was followed by a short address by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (64) and a minute's silence.
Franz-Walter Steinmeier visited Monument in London in 2018
It is the first time that a member of the British royal family has attended the German memorial ceremony. Two years ago, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was the first German head of state to lay a wreath with the inscription "Grateful for reconciliation, hopeful for a future in peace and friendship" on the British Memorial Day at the end of the First World War (November 11) .