King Charles III identified Russia's war in Ukraine as a menace to Europe's democratic principles during his historic address at the German parliament, emphasizing the strength drawn from the unity between allies such as Germany and the United Kingdom.
In his predominantly German-language speech, Charles stated, "The scourge of war is back in Europe, the war of aggression against Ukraine has brought unimaginable suffering on so many innocent people." He continued, "The security of Europe as well as our democratic values are under threat. But the world did not stand idly by... we can draw courage from our unity."
Charles' first state visit since becoming king after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, is to Germany, a move seen as an effort to strengthen relations following Brexit.
Reconciliation and shared values have been central themes in the king's speeches in Germany. Despite having German ancestry, Charles' family fought against Germany in two devastating world wars.
At the Bundestag on Thursday, Charles highlighted the progress made in overcoming the contentious past between Britain and Germany, emphasizing the shared values that now unite them. He urged, "Together we must be vigilant against threats to our values" and confront them resolutely.
On Friday, Charles will further promote reconciliation by commemorating victims of allied bombings during World War II in Hamburg.
Queen Elizabeth II, Charles' late mother, was a symbol of post-war reconciliation. World War I led the British royal family to replace their German name, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, with Windsor.
After his Bundestag address, Charles is scheduled to visit a reception center for Ukrainian refugees and meet with a German-British battalion in the neighboring state of Brandenburg.
Environmental issues, long championed by Charles, feature prominently in his three-day itinerary. His engagements include a reception on sustainability, a visit to an organic farm, and a tour of a renewable energy project in Hamburg.
King Charles III has visited Germany 40 times, often focusing on sustainable agriculture. German professor Hardy Vogtmann, an organic agriculture expert who advised Charles in the 1980s, has influenced the monarch's dedication to green farming.
The British king was initially scheduled to visit France before traveling to Germany, but the trip was postponed due to violent pension reform protests.
