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Germany’s president is due to lay a wreath at Coventry Cathedral in midsummer on Friday EnglandAs our country symbolically atoned for the atrocities of World War II united kingdom Try to strengthen an alliance to combat the emerging new war Europe,
Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s pilgrimage commemorates the Nazi bombing of Coventry on the night of November 14, 1940, which destroyed the 14th-century Gothic cathedral, leaving behind a roofless ruin that serves as a reminder of the devastation of war. At least 568 people were killed and more than half of Coventry’s houses were damaged or destroyed in the most concentrated attack on a British city during the war.
Britain will be represented at the event by the Duke of Kent, who has long promoted British-German rapprochement. He served as royal patron of the Dresden Trust, which seeks to build links between Britain and the people of Dresden following the Allied bombing of February 1945, which destroyed the historic center of the German city and killed an estimated 25,000 people.
Steinmeier’s appearance concluded with a three-day state visit to Britain, the first by a German head of state in 27 years.
During a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle, Steinmeier and the King on Wednesday night Charles III They demonstrated Anglo-Saxon unity, greeting each other, celebrating cultural and historical ties between their nations and highlighting efforts to create a common front against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
In his toast, Steinmeier described Coventry as a symbol of the bonds born of the war that ended 80 years ago.
He said, “From the ashes grew thriving cities. Enemies became friends.” “This is our shared history – and it shows what is possible when people have the courage to seek reconciliation.”
The state visit comes as European countries are uniting to support Ukraine and counter Russian efforts to destabilize Western democracies through so-called hybrid attacks such as election interference, disinformation and sabotage. Hurt by the lack of credibility of US President Donald Trump, European countries are increasing military expenditure and increasing military cooperation.
Earlier this year, Britain and Germany signed a treaty promising to deepen cooperation on a range of issues, including defence, migration and the fight against climate change.
Martin Farr, an expert in modern British history at Newcastle University, said Steinmeier’s visit highlights the fact that European nations are working closer together than at any time since 1815. This was the year that the continent’s major powers established the Concert of Europe, a set of practices and principles designed to maintain peace after the Napoleonic Wars.
“The war is mentioned in this trip,” Farr said. “To some extent, the war gave rise to this trip and its importance. And so I think the historical echoes run really deep.”
The pomp and ceremony of Steinmeier’s visit to Britain is part of that.
While state visits are hosted by the monarch, they are scheduled at the request of the elected government to reward friends – and sometimes even reluctant partners – with the red carpet treatment that only the British royal family can provide.
On Wednesday, Charles greeted Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buddenbender with a warm handshake before boarding a horse-drawn carriage for the ride to Windsor Castle, where a military band played the national anthems of both countries and Steinmeier inspected the assembled troops.
For the banquet, Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales wore glittering tiaras and evening gowns as they led their guests to St George’s Hall for a sumptuous meal served on 200-year-old silver. The hall was decorated with a 6 meter high (about 20 feet) Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights.
Steinmeier also spoke with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, laid a wreath at the grave of the late Queen Elizabeth II and addressed parliament.
During his speech to lawmakers, Steinmeier described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an attack on the rules-based order built in Europe after World War II.
“We are seeing a resurgence of imperial ambitions, with destabilizing forces attempting to divide us and pit us against each other,” he said. “And that’s why we must unite. We need to stand up as one for what defines us.”