King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales at the event honoring German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The first day of the German state visit concluded with a grand State Banquet – see the best photos of the event, including of the Prince and Princess of Wales

The King, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales have given a warm welcome to the President of Germany at the start of his historic state visit.

Guests at the banquet enjoyed a lavish menu including a Black Forest gateau cocktail which was created especially for the occasion in tribute to the King and Queen's German visitors, with the idea of serving a new tipple personalised for each state banquet a tradition started by Charles.

It is the first state visit to the UK by a German president in 27 years, and the fifth since 1958. It comes after the King and Queen undertook a state visit to Germany in 2023.

The Prince and Princess of Wales shared an official portrait taken by Alex Bramall at Frogmore House on their social media, with the caption, “Looking forward to a special banquet tonight in Windsor.” Images from the banquet were also shared on the royal family’s official Instagram.

The Royal Family officially kicked off the holiday season with Princess Kate’s annual Together at Christmas concert on Friday, December 5, and as the royals look forward to Christmas at Sandringham, one former butler is giving insight into the family’s gifts.