PRINCESS Kate dazzled alongside Prince William and King Charles quoted a famous football joke as they attended the State Banquet.
The Princess of Wales beamed in a purple dress and wore Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara to mark the historic state visit.
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The Monarch spoke in both German and English and spoke of friendship between the two nationsCredit: PA
She also had earrings from the late Queen, Royal Family Order and GCVO Sash and Star.
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Prince Albert designed the tiara for Queen Victoria featuring lotus flowers set within 17 arches and 2,600 diamonds.
A photo with her and William posted on social media was taken at Frogmore House earlier in the evening.
Meanwhile the Queen wore a green lace evening gown with the Girls of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Tiara, diamond earrings, an emerald and diamond necklace and Order of German sash.
Kate shares Christmas cheer emphasising ‘simple acts’ of love in letter
It comes as Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender attend the lavish state banquet in St George’s Hall this evening.
It has been decorated for the festive season with a six-metre Christmas tree, grown in Windsor Great Park, and features 3,000 twinkling lights.
This is the first state visit to the UK by a German leader in 27 years.
Delivering his speech King Charles spoke in both German and English and spoke of friendship between the two nations.
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He said: “The bedrock of our relationship has not only been in ideas, but also in trade”.
With bosses from German automobile giants in the room, Charles joked: “You travelled this afternoon in the most comfortable and lowest emissions vehicle in the world: the horse-drawn Royal Carriage.
“It might only be six horsepower, but sometimes a simpler vehicle is all one needs.”
Speaking about shared love of football, he said: “Football is of course another shared endeavour, and I am delighted to see so many of the footballing fraternity around the table with us this evening.
“Of course, I use the word ‘shared’ in the broadest meaning of the word: there was, one has to admit, some element of truth in the famous description of football as a game where eleven people play eleven people, and then, in the end, the Germans win!”
The famous quote was first coined by ex-England ace and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.
And the King continued: “It can have escaped no one’s attention that Germans are considered by many in my country to have a somewhat different sense of humour.
“But let me assure you, British humour is no laughing matter.”
Britain and Germany fought two wars in the 20th century, with Charles adding: “We have, of course, experienced the darkest times, and the most terrible consequences of conflict.
“But perhaps now, so many decades later, the acknowledgment of past suffering has become the basis for an honest friendship, renewed and redoubled.
“Looking ahead, Herr Bundespräsident, we have a responsibility to our citizens, and to our European neighbours as well as the wider world, to speak about the shared values of the United Kingdom and Germany, and our shared vision for the future of our modern world, as encapsulated in the Kensington Treaty.
“As two of the world’s great economies and great powers, and with such intimate understanding of one another, I am confident we will face these challenges together. Our partnership continues to adapt to new times.
“We now find ourselves at the forefront of a global transformation – the search for a way of living that is at once prosperous, humane and sustainable.
“Here, as elsewhere, Britain and Germany stand shoulder to shoulder – guided not only by technology and science, but by conscience.”
‘HONESTY AND DEEP FRIENDSHIP’
Speaking as talks continue on ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he said: “And more broadly, of course, the United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.”
Speaking in German, he added: “You have devoted your life to strengthening democracy and understanding in an age that tests both. It is thirty-six years since the fall of the Berlin Wall – a momentous event in human history.
“The tumultuous period of political, social and technological change that happened after that has tested our values. Many have found that unsettling and even frightening. Fear can lead to anger and resentment.
“But the United Kingdom and Germany are united in a continued belief in democracy, freedom and the Rule of Law. You yourself have also reminded us that progress need not be loud to be lasting, and that decency — quietly practised – can be one of the most powerful forces in public life. For that, we applaud you.
Claudia Schiffer took her place next to Sir Keir Starmer and opposite Prince WilliamCredit: PA“In that conviction, let us tonight renew our shared determination to face the future together – with honesty, and in deep friendship.”
The 152 banquet guests were seated on a 45-feet long mahogany table.
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer took her place in the Royal Procession and sat next to Sir Keir Starmer – two seats away from the King – and her place name was in her married name Lady Vaughn.
Other guests at the German-themed dinner included Strictly’s Motsi Mabuse, film composer Hans Zimmer, Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, Aston Villa’s German midfielder Thomas Hitzelsberger and Lioness Georgia Stanway who plays for Bayern Munich.
A menu of smoked trout tartlet, quail eggs, Windsor partridge, carrots and swede and Baked Alaska was prepared.
Wine on the table included Breaking Bottom English sparkling wine and Spatlese German wine.
Meanwhile cocktails made specially for the bash were made from cherry brandy and chocolate – in honour of the Black Forest Gateaux.
Flowers from Windsor and Buckingham Palace are also to be donated to charity Flower Angels and delivered to hospices, shelters and care homes.
Music during the feast featured Beatles Forever by Lennon and McCartney, Skyfall by Adele, Clocks by Coldplay and music by German composers Handel, Strauss and Mendelsson.
‘OUR HISTORY BINDS US’
In his speech, the German President laid claim to his nation being behind the best Christmas tradition and spoke candidly about the Second World War and Brexit.
President Steimeier spoke about British soldiers stationed in his home town for 50 years after the Second World War.
The leader recalled listening to British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) radio station as a child which would often conclude with the British National Anthem.
Speaking in the festively decked out St George’s Hall, he said: “The atmosphere here is very familiar.
“After all, not all British people may be aware of this, but some of the best-loved Christmas traditions in this country originated in Germany.
“First and foremost the Christmas tree, the first one of which was displayed here in Windsor by Queen Charlotte in the year 1800 and which was soon to become a feature in many living rooms in the United Kingdom.
“An inherently British custom was thus born out of a tradition that was originally German. You could say: While you gave us some good grooves, we gave you Gemütlichkeit.”
He continued: “When it comes down to it, the British and the Germans are much more alike than some would think.
“And I am convinced that our partnership draws its strength from this very factor.”
The President will travel this week during the State Visit to see the ruins of Coventry Cathedral which was bombed by the Nazis.
Speaking about the German bombs turning the city to “rubble” he added: “Our history binds us together, both the good and the bad chapters.
“This year we look back on 80 years of peace between our two countries. What a gift.
“Flourishing cities grew out of the ashes. Enemies became friends. That is our common history – and it shows what is possible when people have the courage to pursue reconciliation.
“Your Majesty, it is not least you and your family we have to thank for this work of reconciliation. The Windsors have consistently forged new ties and thereby promoted German-British relations. Just as you still do today.”
Speaking about the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, he added: “Brexit was a profound watershed. But we have not allowed this decision to damage our friendship.
“We are working together to strengthen once again the human ties that have been weakened by Brexit. Young people should again be able to forge friendships more easily.
“They should be able to study, learn, work – on both sides of the English Channel. They should experience the things that connect us: shared values, freedom and democracy.
“The conviction that together, we are stronger. And yes, also shared passions.”
