When and why is King Charles visiting Germany?

King Charles is set to make his first foreign visit as monarchy, as he and the Queen Consort, Camilla, travel to Germany on Wednesday.

Charles will be the first post-war foreign head of state to receive a ceremonial welcome with full military honours at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, and the first British monarch to address Germany’s federal parliament, the Bundestag.

It will be King Charles' 29th official visit to Germany, while Camilla will be making her fourth official visit to the country – the pair were last in Germany in 2020.

The king had been due to visit France on Sunday to meet French president Emmanuel Macron before travelling on to Germany, but Downing Street announced last week that the trip would be postponed after pension reform protests in the country spiralled into violent clashes.

He was planning to visit the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to lay a wreath, open an exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay and enjoy a banquet with Macron and the first lady, Brigitte Macron, at the Château de Versailles.

But the plans were changed following the violent protests in the country last week.

Buckingham Palace said the change was a "postponement", with the German leg of the trip still going ahead. In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found.”

Last Friday, Macron told the king that the state visit would be rescheduled “so that his majesty will be welcomed in conditions which correspond [to] our friendly relationship”, the Elysée Palace said.

When is King Charles going to Germany?

Charles and Camilla will travel to Germany on Wednesday. They will stay in Berlin before Charles addresses the German parliament on Thursday.

In line with his passion for the environment, Charles is expected to visit an organic farm known as Brodowin Eco-Village, near Berlin, which is known for its local and seasonal produce.

Charles and Camilla will also meet Ukrainian refugees in Germany and visit the St Nikolai Memorial, where a church was destroyed during an Allied raid in the Second World War.

According to the royal website, the King will learn more about the port of Hamburg’s adoption of green technologies during his visit, meeting representatives from some of the firms involved.

He will also attend a celebratory reception with Hamburg residents and members of the local British community, accompanied by the president, marking the end of their state visit on Friday.

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Why is King Charles visiting Germany?

The trip has been planned to further strengthen ties between the UK and Germany, and offers an opportunity for the King to learn more about climate change action in Germany, and how the country is following an eco agenda.

Details published on the Buckingham Palace website said: "The visit will celebrate Britain’s relationship with Germany, marking our shared histories, culture and values.

"It will also provide an opportunity to look forwards and demonstrate the many ways the UK is working in partnership with Germany, whether that be to tackle climate change; respond to the conflict in Ukraine; seize trade and investment opportunities or share the best of our arts and culture.

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"As well as speaking to the strength of the UK’s bilateral relationships with Germany, Their Majesties’ visits will include engagements highlighting the importance of sustainability and community – key themes which have been embraced by citizens of all our countries.

"There will also be opportunities to reflect on the sacrifices and challenges of our shared past, out of which has come an enduring legacy of cooperation and reconciliation."