German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has accepted a state visit to the United Kingdom in early December, extended by King Charles III This marks the first time a German Federal President will be received with the highest protocol honors in Britain since December 1998, when Roman Herzog was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II Following the Queen’s passing in September 2022, her eldest son Charles ascended to the throne and subsequently received President Steinmeier in Germany during a reciprocal state visit in March 2023
The upcoming visit comes as King Charles manages a recently disclosed cancer diagnosis and adjusts his public engagements accordingly Prior to the UK state visit, President Steinmeier is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on September 22nd This will be the first personal meeting between the two leaders since Leo’s election as head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025