King Charles was given a standing ovation after delivering a historic speech to the Bundestag, complete with comedy nods to Monty Python, Kraftwerk and the Beatles.
The first British monarch to address the German parliament spoke of ‘cherished family ties’ and thanked the public for their ‘deep sympathies’ after his mother’s death last year.
Speaking in English and German, Charles joked how millions of Brits visit each year to admire Berlin’s ‘vibrant culture’.
Modern generations ‘may think more readily about the Beatles or Kraftwerk than Brahms or Byron, he joked, ‘but the web of cultural connections is strong as ever.
For the last 50 years we have laughed together – both at each other, and with each other.’
The King mentioned stand-up Henning Wehn who has ‘given us an understanding of German quirks, as Monty Python brought ours here’.
Wehn later said the namecheck was ‘rather surreal’.
The King recalled our Lionesses’ win over German at Euro 2022, with football rivalry ‘just one example of how our countries offer a compelling example to the world’.
He praised Germany’s support for Ukraine – and our joint work to develop greener energy.
He went on to praise Germany for supporting Ukraine, saying Russia’s invasion ‘threatens’ security across Europe.
To more applause, he went on: ‘We are deeply shocked by the destruction, but we can be encouraged by our unity when it comes to defending Ukraine, peace, and freedom.
‘Germany’s decision to provide such military support to Ukraine is considered to be very welcome and very important by the world at large.’
The King later touched on climate change leadership and praised their joint work in developing offshore wind capability, as well as the use of hydrogen, which he describes as ‘the fuel which could transform our future’.
‘This essential partnership between our two countries is built on the expertise, dedication, and ingenuity of countless people in both Germany and the United Kingdom,’ Charles added.
‘To them all, I can only offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude.’