King Charles Hosts Festive State Banquet at Windsor Castle, Calls for Unity on Ukraine
King Charles welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening. The event marked a warm moment in UK-Germany relations. In addition, it brought together well-known figures from politics, business, and the arts.
The castle looked magical. Staff decorated St George’s Hall with a 20ft Christmas tree glowing with thousands of lights. As a result, guests described the atmosphere as joyful and full of festive charm.
Star-Studded Guest List
The banquet hosted 152 guests. They included Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who sat beside supermodel Claudia Schiffer. Hans Zimmer, the world-famous film composer, also attended. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter added further cultural shine to the evening.
Many guests said they enjoyed the relaxed and friendly setting. However, the night also carried a deeper message about shared values and global unity.
King Charles Calls for Support for Ukraine
In his speech, King Charles addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine. He stressed the need for Western allies to stand firmly with the Ukrainian people. Therefore, he highlighted the importance of defending freedom, especially during challenging times.
The King also praised the strong partnership between the UK and Germany. He noted that cooperation remains essential as both nations face global threats. For example, he mentioned rising political tensions and ongoing humanitarian crises.
Guests listened closely as the King called for continued unity. His words added seriousness to an evening filled with celebration. In addition, they reminded attendees of the responsibility shared by democratic nations.
Overall, the banquet offered a mix of holiday warmth and international purpose. It strengthened diplomatic ties while honouring tradition, culture, and peace.
