German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will lay a wreath at Coventry Cathedral on Friday, marking a symbolic act of remembrance for the victims of World War II as Germany and the United Kingdom move to strengthen their partnership at a time of renewed conflict in Europe.
The visit to Coventry honors those killed when Nazi forces bombed the city on Nov 14, 1940, destroying its 14th-century Gothic cathedral and killing at least 568 people. More than half of Coventry’s homes were damaged or destroyed that night, the most concentrated assault on any British city during the war. The Duke of Kent will represent Britain at the ceremony, recognized for his long-standing efforts to promote reconciliation between the two nations.
Steinmeier’s appearance comes at the end of a three-day state visit, the first by a German president in 27 years. The trip has emphasized a renewed spirit of cooperation as European countries close ranks to support Ukraine and counter Russian attempts to destabilize Western democracies through interference, disinformation and sabotage. Concerns over what they see as U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictability have pushed European states to increase defense spending and deepen military coordination.
The German leader and King Charles III highlighted their countries’ shared history and values during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Steinmeier described Coventry as a symbol of reconciliation, saying the city’s rebirth shows “what is possible when people have the courage to pursue reconciliation.”
Earlier this year, the UK and Germany signed a treaty to expand cooperation on defense, migration and climate change. Analysts say Steinmeier’s visit reflects a historic level of unity among European nations, unmatched since the early 19th century.
The state visit included meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, an address to Parliament and a wreath-laying at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. The royal ceremony offered the full spectacle of British pageantry, with Charles and Queen Camilla welcoming Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, for a procession to Windsor Castle and a formal banquet in St George’s Hall, which was decorated with a towering Christmas tree.
In his address to lawmakers, Steinmeier called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine an assault on the rules-based order built after World War II. He warned of “imperial ambitions” and attempts by destabilizing forces to divide democratic societies, urging Europe to remain united “for what defines us.”