British King Charles begins visit in Germany

BERLIN (AA) - British King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla arrived in Berlin on Wednesday on their first overseas state visit.

The royal couple was welcomed by state officials at the military area of Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, and greeted by a 21-gun salute.

In the afternoon, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, will host a welcome ceremony for the royal guests at the capital's landmark Brandenburg Gate. Hundreds of people were lined up at the historic center of Berlin to watch the official ceremony.

In the evening, President Steinmeier will host a state banquet at Bellevue Palace in honor of the King and the Queen Consort.

During the three-day visit, King Charles will also meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and is scheduled to address the German parliament on Thursday.

Charles and Camilla will also visit a refugee center in the former Tegel airport and talk to Ukrainian refugees.

The royal visit comes at a time when the UK and the EU are seeking closer ties, three years after Britain's exit from the bloc.

“The state visit of King Charles and his wife Camilla is seen by many as a rapprochement with Europe and Germany - after the alienation caused by Brexit,” German public broadcaster ARD reported.

German President Steinmeier said the visit prior to the coronation ceremony on May 6 testifies to the close friendship between the UK and Germany.

"This state visit is all the more special because the King decided to come to us in Germany even before his coronation. This timely visit underscores the close and warm friendship between our countries and our people,” he said in a statement.