The invitation follows King Charles’s ascension to the throne in September 2022, succeeding his mother and a reciprocal state visit to Germany by President Steinmeier in March 2023
The timing of the British state visit occurs as King Charles undergoes treatment following the public announcement of his cancer diagnosis in February This has necessitated a reduction in the King’s public engagements, making the hosted visit all the more notable
Prior to the UK trip, President Steinmeier is scheduled for another important international engagement On September 22nd, he will meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican This will be the first personal encounter between the two leaders since Pope Leo’s election as head of the Roman Catholic Church in May
