Britain and Germany 'shoulder to shoulder' for 'special' state visit

THE Princess of Wales showcased the best of British fashion as she joined husband William and the King and Queen to host the first German state visit to the UK for 27 years.

- BY EMILY FERGUSON Royal Editor

Both Catherine and Camilla dazzled in UK-designed gowns at a spectacular state banquet in Windsor Castle last night for President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Budenbender.

The Princess, 43, wore a dress by Jenny Packham, with Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara and a sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order.

Queen Camilla, 78, looked striking in a green lace evening gown by Fiona Clare, accessorised with The Girls of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Tiara and the order of Germany sash.

They and their husbands joined guests in St George's Hall at a 50m-long mahogany table with a towering 6m Christmas tree illuminated with 3,000 lights as the backdrop.

The Nordmann fir, which reached the ceiling and was so wide that the usual 160-person guest list had to be reduced to 152, was the first Christmas tree to feature at the foot of the table in modern times.

It was an acknowledgement of the German tradition, which President Steinmeier referenced in his speech.

Guests with German connections included model Claudia Schiffer, Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse, who lives there, film composer Hans Zimmer and Axel Scheffler, who illustrated the Gruffalo.

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

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.