Kate Middleton and Prince William Greet German President for U.K. Visit

Kate Middleton and Prince William are continuing a tradition that underscores their senior roles within the royal family: serving as the first to greet visiting heads of state.

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the royal couple welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and first lady Elke Büdenbender to the U.K. The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, met the diplomatic couple at Heathrow Airport in London, sharing handshakes and smiles after Steinmeier and Büdenbender deplaned. Their visit marks the first state visit to the U.K. by a president of the Federal Republic of Germany in 27 years.

Princess Kate was championing British fashion brands in a dress by Burberry, a blue coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and earrings that belonged to William’s late mother, Princess Diana. She also accessorized with the Prince of Wales Feathers Brooch, nodding to her husband’s title as heir.

Prince William and Princess Kate have served as the welcoming committee for several recent state visits, with the German president’s trip being the third state visit to the U.K. this year.

In July, they welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, for their visit. On that occasion, Kate sent a subtle message of solidarity by wearing French designer Christian Dior for the first time.

In September, the prince and princess were on hand to greet President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, sharing handshakes and smiles as Marine One landed at Windsor Castle.

The president and first lady will then travel to Windsor, where they will be formally welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla, with a royal salute fired in Windsor’s Home Park and at the Tower of London.

After a carriage ride to Windsor Castle, they will be received by a Guard of Honour, who will play the German and British national anthems before President Steinmeier joins King Charles to inspect the troops. Members of the royal family will join the president and first lady for lunch in the castle’s Green Drawing Room, and then view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection, all with a connection to Germany.

In the afternoon, President Steinmeier will meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other political and business leaders at No. 10 Downing Street, while the first lady will visit the Judith Kerr Primary School in southeast London, which is named after the celebrated German-born British writer and illustrator.

On Wednesday evening, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and members of the royal family will host the president and first lady for a state banquet at Windsor Castle, where both King Charles and President Steinmeier will deliver remarks to the gathered guests.

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While this visit marks President Steinmeier’s first official state visit to the U.K., he has traveled to London in an official capacity once before.

Shortly after his election in 2017, the president attended the Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11, 2018. He became the first-ever German leader to join the members of the royal family in laying a wreath at the Cenotaph war memorial, before attending the service at Westminster Abbey.

The event marked the centennial of Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, which is the anniversary of the end of fighting in World War I.