Prince Charles gives a speech in Berlin during a memorial ceremony at the Bundestag to commemorate the National Day of Mourning for the victims of war and dictatorship
Credit: CLEMENS BILAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
As the Prince of Wales stood solemnly in the dimly lit war memorial, a trumpet solo echoed hauntingly through the vast stone building.
He briefly bowed his head in silence, the significance of the occasion and the timely manner of this historic diplomatic mission lost on no one.
The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall were the first members of the Royal Family to take part in Germany’s National Day of Mourning and their attendance at the remembrance ceremony in Berlin was considered deeply poignant.
With just weeks to go before the Brexit transition period ends, and as fragile negotiations resume in Brussels, the heir to the throne was keen to restate the UK’s historic ties with Europe.
It was the first royal visit to Germany since the UK left the EU in January, and was made at the invitation of the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall at the Neue Wache Central Memorial in Berlin for Germany's Day of Mourning
Credit: Craig Stennett
In a passionate speech delivered in both English and German, the Prince highlighted the importance of “the difficult but essential” process of reconciliation as he said the “heartbreaking lessons” of war must be learnt and heeded by each generation.
He stressed the “great pride” he felt in being able to renew the UK’s “enduring bond” with Germany and welcomed the transformation of Anglo-German relations in recent years, but warned that such ties should never be assumed.
“That we have healed so much division on our continent is cause for sustained gratitude and the utmost pride,” he said.
“However, as thankful as we should be for how far we have come, I know that many of you share my view that we must take nothing for granted.”
The Prince and the Duchess had earlier been greeted by Mr Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, on the steps of the Bellevue Palace (see below), where the flags of Germany, Great Britain and the European Union flew at half mast on the lawn.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (second left), his wife Elke Buedenbender (far left), Britain's Charles, Prince of Wales (second right), and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (far right)
Credit: CLEMENS BILAN/Shutterstock
After a private 40-minute meeting, the foursome travelled to the striking Neue Wache Memorial, dedicated to victims of war and tyranny. First, the Prince and the President entered together, alone.
Standing side by side, the two men paused to gaze at the replica sculpture at the centre of the otherwise desolate building, each lit only by a shaft of sunlight falling from the doorway.
Designed by German artist Kathe Kollwitz in memory of her own son who died in World War One, the sculpture is titled Mother with Her Dead Son.
A large wreath of poppies had been laid on behalf of the Prince and, after being joined by four other dignitaries, he briefly stepped forward to touch it before the six men stood in line as the trumpet solo sounded, followed by a moment of silence.
After all six filed outside, the Prince and the President returned, accompanied by their wives.
The Duchess lay a posy comprising rosemary for remembrance and olives, white daisies and nerines for peace, before the group stood briefly before the sculpture.
Credit: SEAN GALLUP/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The royal party then made its way to the Bundestag for the Central Remembrance Ceremony, where the Prince made a measured but significant reference to Brexit, saying: “The United Kingdom has chosen a future outside the European Union, and the relationship between our countries is evolving once again.
“Its shape is a matter negotiated between our governments and its essence is defined by the enduring connections between our people.
“It is, therefore, my heartfelt belief that the fundamental bond between us will remain strong: we will always be friends, partners and allies.”
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, look back after visiting the Neue Wache memorial to victims of war and tyranny
Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
While the Royal Family remains politically neutral, his careful choice of words were a crucial illustration of “soft power”.
The Prince also referenced the deep divisions created by war, eventually rebuilt through trust and shared experience.
He said the horrors of the past should never be defined “as simply the events of another age” but that instead the “searing relevance of the past to the present day” must be acknowledged.
The Prince also emphasised his own “greatly treasured” family ties to the nation, noting that he had been visiting Germany since he was just 13, and highlighted the many ways in which each country had been inspired and influenced by the other.
He added: “Today our countries stand together as indispensable partners in almost every field of endeavour imaginable, conscious of our past but confident about our future.”
Germany does not commemorate the signing of the Armistice but its national day of mourning, the secular public holiday of Volkstrauertag, has been observed since 1952.
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