The criticism and handwringing over Royal tours reached an unreasonable, fever pitch this last year, with grumbling commentary that the model was dead, a relic of the past, not much use in a ‘modern’ world…
But, as Mark Twain once said, “reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated!”
The Royal Tour isn’t dead yet. In fact, it was just resurrected with a flourish.
The first State Visit of the reign of King Charles III rolled out in Germany this week, and the world watched as the Royal Couple, their German hosts, and Germany itself, all sparkled in grand style.
There is no disputing that public engagements, and Royal tours, are where King Charles and Queen Camilla just shine. They seem to set a standard for others to emulate and follow.
This tour was history in the making, not only as the first State Visit of his reign, but with other firsts as well.
As they arrived Wednesday, the plane was escorted by two Luftwaffe Typhoon jets as it entered German airspace, with the pilot announcing, “I have the honour of welcoming Your Majesty over the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany”.
As Max Foster noted on CNN, “Having traveled on a fair few royal flights over the years, we can’t remember a time when the aircraft received such a reverential welcome.”
Upon arrival, a magnificent greeting with military honours at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, The King became the first visiting Head of State to receive a ceremonial welcome at the historic landmark.
That night, a sparkling white tie State Banquet at the Bellevue Palace, where King Charles delivered his speech in German and English, easily slipping between both languages, much to the delight of German press and the public watching from home.
The next day, The King became the first British monarch to address German parliament in session, and, as he had done in previous remarks, spoke of the shared bond between the UK and Germany. He received what was called “an epic standing ovation.”
“We are still admiring of each other’s culture; dependent upon each other’s economies; and inspired by each other’s ideas.”
~ King Charles III
Germany rolled out the greatest red carpet, literally and figuratively, and The King and Queen, as always, rose to the occasion.
Whether meeting with the President or Ukrainian refugees, sitting with children or sparkling at a banquet, trying their hand at cheese making or art - they were enthusiastic and engaged - in short, the perfect guests.
What makes The King and Queen’s engagements and tours have such an impact, receiving such a resounding reception?
The fact is, though their titles have changed, their work ethic and their approach to their roles has not.
This is the kind of work - and tour - Charles and Camilla have been doing together, forever.
There are key things that King Charles and Queen Camilla always do - and do so well.
First, you have to start with the planning, and hats off to the staff who schedule it all, and make it look so easy. (I don’t think people appreciate the skill of the palace machine!)
Second, their schedule always includes a wide variety of “moments” - from the solemn to the lighthearted, from parliament to a pint of beer, from shopping a local market to meeting refugees.
There are moments that suit the Royal couple and tie in their causes, but also provide hands-on interaction for them and, importantly, for the public to meet and really engage with them. And staff always ensure there are moments that will provide compelling news and images for the press of both countries.
Finally, and most importantly, great credit to King Charles and Queen Camilla themselves.
They don’t just stand and observe at arm’s length. With great respect to the late Queen, she was of a different time, and was a regal, but reserved, observer.
Her son, King Charles III, is a participant.
King Charles is always enthusiastically moving forward, whether it’s into a crowd or an official group with a presentation; he wants to connect at every engagement.
The King is also scrupulously prepared so he can contribute passionately on almost every discussion he encounters.
You cannot overstate how valued that makes people feel, that this King with all on his plate, took the time to study and understand their mission! It really is a full-time job to be that prepared for your role.
Buckingham Palace shared a short clip of The King and Queen on the train to Hamburg, but I was struck by the material they’re both studying…
Obviously, The King’s years of experience and maturity certainly help as well, he’s relaxed and easy going on tour now, is used to the press and photographers following him around and can honestly behave as if they’re not even there.
(What do you think The King and Queen do well? Comment and let me know what I’ve missed!)
The German people were clearly impressed, and as the short three-day tour went on, the crowds grew…
And grew some more…
And then, it was over. King Charles and Queen Camilla left Germany on Friday, as it began, with a military escort out of German airspace.
His Majesty’s government must be incredibly pleased that, whatever diplomatic objectives they set, they were in such good hands. A comment to The New York Times summed it up: “King Charles is the biggest and best diplomat the British have.”
To be clear, it was a diplomatic success for both sides - Germany outdid itself as well, putting on a spectacular visit for the world to watch. Leaders of both countries must be inspired, and feeling a renewed sense of partnership after such a diplomatic success.
“Those who criticise royal visits as constituting little more than expensive photo-ops fail to understand that not all symbolism is empty.”
Watching them on the world stage this week, it was hard to imagine there was ever a time when people doubted that Prince Charles could be King Charles III, that Camilla could be Queen beside him.
How they have proved the naysayers wrong.
As politicians struggle and sometimes divide across the country and globe, The King appears to stand tall above the fray, uniting and representing his country flawlessly.
The Coronation of King Charles III is now just weeks away. An important moment for the UK, but, based on this week, I’m expecting a global blockbuster.
This Royal show is just getting started…
I agree with all that you wrote and I have a few other things that I've thought of. Charles spoke German. I have often thought that it's embarrassing when Royals visit a country and make a joke of not being able to speak the language. Learn to speak and understand some phrases that you will hear on walkabout--heavens Poor King George had to overcome a stammer!--speak them with confidence and then let it go. Although I grew up in Quebec French is my second language and after living in the US I've lost a lot of my fluency. But I keep up with it daily on Duolingo and I have also added Spanish because so many people here speak Spanish. I don't pretend to be fluent but people really appreciate the effort. So that's first.
Second, Charles' visit was very simple. Just a couple of places, one big dinner, one huge speech. I think that should be the model for state visits. No jumping from island to island, loads of old-fashioned ceremonies, inspecting military. I understand that the relationship with the Commonwealth has a military history to it. But that caused some issues for W & C in the Caribbean. Maybe it's time to step back on the "military history" and emphasize the future. As Charles did. There was a guard of honor at the Brandenburg Gate but that was it. Very low key and I think that Charles was in ordinary dress. Keep the military stuff in the UK IMO.
I understand that scaling back could mean that the RF wouldn't physically touch every single Commonwealth nation or every city in the nations they do visit--too many backs and forths, carbon footprints and dangers of traveling, etc. But maybe that's not necessary anymore. COVID taught us that things CAN be done on Zoom. Make visits less perfunctory and more relevant. Like William's visit to Poland. It wasn't a state visit but boy did it make a difference! QE 2 said that the RF has to be seen to be believed. In this day of social media and streaming, "seeing" can be as much electronically as in real life if not more. Make the actual physical seeing relevant, focused and make sure there are lots of cameras there. And people who are prepared to report positively too :)