Numerous onlookers gathered in front of the fence surrounding the Federal Chancellery as the black limousine with the royal couple arrived. The crowd cheered when Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, on the red carpet.

From 19 to 21 July, Prince William and Duchess Kate are on tour in Germany. Their first stop was in Berlin. After the German capital, they will visit Heidelberg and Hamburg. It is the couple’s first visit to Germany together. Their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, are also present.

Lunch with the Chancellor

The royal family landed at noon at Tegel Airport, after having spent two days in Poland. Immediately after arriving in Berlin, they headed for the Federal Chancellery, where Chancellor Mekel had invited them for a private lunch.
Government spokesperson Steffen Seibert had announced before the visit that the meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss the relations between both countries, Europe, global challenges and volunteer work.

The couple then visited the Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial together with Berlin's Governing Mayor Michael Müller.

Support for volunteer work

In the afternoon, the focus was on volunteer work. In Berlin’s eastern district of Marzahn, the royals visited Straßenkinder, a charity which supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Afterwards, the pair went to Bellevue Palace, where they were welcomed by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Late in the afternoon, a reception at the British embassy was on the agenda. The Embassy awarded the "Mental Health Hero" award on the occasion of the royal visit. The competition under the patronage of the royal couple honours young helpers who support people with mental problems.

The royals’ itinerary will take them to Heidelberg on Thursday and on Friday, they are expected in Hamburg.