'The acknowledgement of past suffering has become the basis for an honest friendship'

German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger, who spent the early part of his career playing for Prince William's team Aston Villa, was also invited.

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However, William, 43, may have been slightly disappointed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was seated next to Claudia.

The prince admitted in 2017 he had a wall poster of her when he was “12, 13”.

The banquet drew the first day of the state visit to a close after the president and his wife were treated to an impressive display of pomp and pageantry.

The couple travelled by train from Heathrow with William and Catherine, before being met outside Windsor and Eton Riverside station by the King and Queen.

Charles opened his arms as Mr Steinmeier approached. He told the King: “It’s so wonderful, Your Majesty, to see you again.” As is tradition, Catherine did a double curtsey, one for the King and then, in case the Queen had not seen her, another for Camilla.

The Queen was dressed in a sapphire-blue silk dress and cashmere top-stitch coat by Anna Valentine and matching feathered hat by Philip Treacy. In a sweet nod to the Royal Family’s German roots, she also wore a sapphire and diamond brooch that once belonged to Queen Victoria, who was married to German-born Prince Albert.

Catherine wore a blue coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.