There was huge expectation as the King entered a packed German parliament.

In more ways than one, this was a moment for the 74-year-old monarch to deliver.

And taking to the floor of the chamber for just over 23 minutes, he did just that.

Speaking in a mix of English and German, this was an historic speech.

It was serious, speaking about the Second World War, and it was personal, talking about reconciliation and the role his mother played in renewing relations.

Her visit in 1965, seen as a pivotal moment, was of “huge personal significance” to his parents.

And from past conflicts to the war in Ukraine, his language was strong when he spoke of “the scourge of war” returning to Europe. “The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has inflicted the most unimaginable suffering on so many innocent people,” he said.

King references Ukraine, his mother and Kraftwerk but not Brexit in historic German parliament speech

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Although these words will have been drafted by the government, they felt heartfelt and personal.

There was light relief too, talking about friendly rivalries over football with the Lionesses beating Germany in the Euro 2022 final.

Even jokes too: “Perhaps most importantly, for the last 50 years we have laughed together – both at each other, and with each other.”

It was a speech that touched the audience. Designed to show the strength of bonds between Britain and Germany.

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There was though, one glaring omission. No reference to Brexit, or the years of turbulent division. The very reason the King’s first state visit was to Europe, not a Commonwealth country.

‘He met the moment’

It ended with a standing ovation. He is the first British monarch to address the Bundestag, and for the politicians in the chamber, he’d met the moment.

The King sits above politics but this was a carefully-crafted speech. Showing Britain’s place out of the EU but very much an ally of Europe.

Read more:
King references Ukraine, his mother and Kraftwerk in speech
King’s first state visit reaffirming Anglo-German relations
Monarch pledges to ‘strengthen connections’ between UK and Germany

It wasn’t just the politicians who’ve given him a warm welcome.

The King and Queen Consort were mobbed by a large crowd as they made their way through the stalls of a Berlin market, even trading Highgrove honey with a local producer.

The monarch is always above politics and is seen as a source of soft power. But with this speech we saw and heard a much harder message.

Perhaps distinguishably tougher than those delivered by the late Queen.

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