King Charles becomes first British monarch to address German parliament

King Charles III made history last week when he became the first British monarch to address the German parliament in capital city Berlin.

During his Thursday address, he spoke to Bundestag members in fluent German and thanked everyone for their kindness after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, the BBC reported.

He said he could “hardly begin to express the pride I feel” at the relationship between the UK and Germany and that he hopes to “renew the special bond of friendship between our two countries.”

While it was his first official overseas trip as king, Charles visited Germany 28 times as the Prince of Wales, according to the BBC.

The king also lauded the nation for its support of Ukraine amid Russia’s 13-month-long invasion.

“The security of Europe has been threatened, together with our democratic values,” he said. “Even as we abhor the appalling scenes of destruction, we can take heart from our unity — in defense of Ukraine, of peace and freedom.”

Charles also remembered the Germans who died in the Allied powers’ air raids during World War II — and said that “heeding the lessons of the past is our sacred responsibility” as the two nations look toward the future.

“In the long and remarkable story of our countries, there are many chapters not yet written. Let us fill these with the restless pursuit of a better tomorrow.”

King Charles’ address took a lighter turn when he joked about the historic soccer rivalry between the two countries, taking note of the Lionesses’ victory against the German women’s team during the Euros final last summer.

After his speech, Charles stopped at a center supporting Ukrainian refugees, while Camilla visited a project helping Ukrainians now living in Germany.