Charles and Camilla at German war memorial
Prince says UK will keep a close bond with German allies despite Brexit, at remembrance ceremony
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall yesterday became the first members of the Royal family to take part in Germany’s National Day of Mourning. Their attendance at the ceremony in Berlin was considered deeply poignant. With just weeks to go before the Brexit transition period ends, and as negotiations resume in Brussels, the heir to the throne was keen to restate the UK’S historic ties with Europe. They were invited by the president, Frank-walter Steinmeier.
‘It is ... my heartfelt belief that the fundamental bond between us will remain strong’
As the Prince of Wales stood solemnly in the dimly lit war memorial, a trumpet solo echoed through the vast stone building. He briefly bowed his head in silence, the significance of the occasion and the timely manner of this historic diplomatic mission lost on no one.
The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall were the first members of the Royal family to take part in Germany’s National Day of Mourning and their attendance at the remembrance ceremony in Berlin was considered deeply poignant.
With just weeks to go before the Brexit transition period ends, and as fragile negotiations resume in Brussels, the heir to the throne was keen to restate the UK’S historic ties with Europe.
It was the first royal visit to Germany since the UK left the EU in January, and was made at the invitation of the president, Frank-walter Steinmeier.
In a passionate speech delivered in both English and German, the Prince highlighted the importance of “the difficult but essential” process of reconciliation as he said the “heartbreaking lessons” of war must be heeded by each generation.
He stressed the “great pride” he felt in being able to renew the UK’S “enduring bond” with Germany and welcomed the transformation of Anglo-german relations in recent years, but warned that such ties should never be assumed.
“That we have healed so much division on our continent is cause for sustained gratitude and the utmost pride,” he said.
“However, as thankful as we should be for how far we have come, I know that many of you share my view that we must take nothing for granted.”
The Prince and the Duchess had earlier been greeted by President Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, on the steps of the Bellevue Palace, where the flags of Germany, Great Britain and the European Union flew at half mast.
After a private 40-minute meeting, the four travelled to the striking Neue Wache Memorial, dedicated to victims of war and tyranny.
First, the Prince and the president entered together, alone. Standing side by side, they paused to gaze at the replica sculpture at the centre of the desolate building, each lit only by a shaft of sunlight from the doorway.
Designed by German artist Kathe Kollwitz in memory of her own son who died in WWI, the sculpture is titled Mother with Her Dead Son.
A large wreath of poppies had been laid on behalf of the Prince and, after being joined by four other dignitaries, he briefly stepped forward to touch it before the six men stood in line as the trumpet solo sounded, followed by a moment of silence.
The Prince and the president returned, accompanied by their wives, when the Duchess laid a posy of rosemary for remembrance and olives, white daisies and nerines for peace.
The royal party then made its way to the Bundestag, where the Prince made a measured reference to Brexit, saying: “The United Kingdom has chosen a future outside the European Union, and the relationship between our countries is evolving once again.
“Its shape is a matter negotiated between our governments and its essence is defined by the enduring connections between our people.
“It is, therefore, my heartfelt belief that the fundamental bond between us will remain strong: we will always be friends, partners and allies.”
The Prince said the horrors of the past should never be defined “as simply the events of another age” but that instead the “searing relevance of the past to the present day” must be acknowledged.
He added: “Today our countries stand together as indispensable partners in almost every field of endeavour imaginable, conscious of our past but confident about our future.”