The King has said the UK and Germany are ready to “bolster Europe” against the threat of further Russian aggression and both nations “stand” with Ukraine.
Charles spoke as tensions between Europe and Russia appeared to intensity this week after Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv’s European allies of sabotaging US-led efforts to end the war.
The King’s comments were made during a Windsor Castle state banquet staged in honour of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and in a lighter moment the King quipped about his nation’s football prowess, saying “in the end, the Germans win”.
Charles told guests seated in St George’s Hall: “With regard to shared defence, our German-British Bridging Battalion at Minden – which I visited during our state visit two years ago – is literally building bridges, a unique partnership at the heart of Nato.
“And more broadly, of course, the United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.”