Windsor Castle doesn’t roll out its full ceremonial machinery often, and when it does, the purpose is usually unmistakable. Germany’s Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, arrived this week to the kind of reception that leaves no room for guesswork about Britain’s intentions. It was formal, visually striking and designed to show that Germany remains a central partner at a time when Europe feels anything but settled.

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The day began at Heathrow, where the Prince and Princess of Wales greeted the German couple before accompanying them to Berkshire. There was nothing perfunctory about their involvement. William and Catherine have increasingly become the face of state-level hospitality, and this meeting underscored that shift with little ceremony but plenty of weight. They boarded the official convoy with the visitors and helped set up the mood for what was to follow.

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Once the procession reached Windsor, the tone changed. The Household Cavalry led a carriage through the castle grounds while residents and visitors lined the barriers, mixing German flags with Union Jacks and trying to grab photos between the helmets and horses. Inside the Quadrangle, King Charles III and Queen Camilla waited for their guests. A gun salute echoed across the grounds, the band played each national anthem and the Guard of Honour stood in rigid formation. The choreography was precise, but more importantly it showed the visit had substance behind it rather than being a polite formal stop.

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This meeting wasn’t placed on the calendar at random. Earlier in the year, Britain and Germany signed the Kensington Treaty, a blueprint that expands cooperation on defence work, science partnerships, border processes and education programmes. With European politics continuing to shift, the visit offered a chance for both countries to reaffirm what they intend to build on rather than leaving the agreement to gather dust. Steinmeier’s wider programme included a speech to Parliament and a visit to Coventry Cathedral’s wartime ruins, which reinforced that this was a working visit and not a photo opportunity.

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The evening took guests inside St George’s Hall for a state banquet. The room, already dressed for Christmas, felt packed even before the 160-seat table came into view. Silverware, long floral arrangements and a towering tree framed the setting. The menu took cues from both countries and the speeches avoided lofty language, focusing instead on areas where cooperation genuinely matters, such as energy, innovation and the practical business of managing Europe’s shifting security landscape.

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For the Royal Family, this was another demanding diplomatic moment in a year filled with them. For the government, it offered a chance to project stability and clear intent about Britain’s place in European affairs. And for anyone watching from outside the castle walls, the day served as a reminder of why these rituals still exist. Behind the carriages and uniforms are conversations about real-world concerns, and events like this create the space for those conversations to begin on solid footing.

Windsor has hosted state visits for generations, but this one didn’t feel like a routine entry in the diary. It was straightforward, deliberate and rooted in the realities facing both countries. It was the kind of visit built not for show but for clear and practical outcomes.

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul held a press conference ahead of their heavyweight fight, scheduled for 19 December 2025 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The fight will be streamed live on Netflix, drawing attention from boxing fans worldwide.

Joshua confirmed a significant change in his training. He has joined the camp of Oleksandr Usyk in Spain, parting ways with his previous coaches, Ben Davison and Lee Wylie. He described the move as an opportunity to refine his technique and prepare more strategically for this fight.

Anthony Joshua- Instagram

Regarding Jake Paul, Joshua referred to the bout as a professional challenge. “This is a fight I am taking seriously,” he said, emphasising that he is approaching it as a competitive match rather than a spectacle.

Paul, speaking at the same event, predicted a knockout, highlighting Joshua’s movement as a potential vulnerability. He framed the fight as a chance to demonstrate his legitimacy in boxing. “[This] is Judgment Day,” Paul said, “a win would prove I belong at this level.”

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A weight limit has been agreed for the fight: Joshua will not exceed 245 lb, a move designed to minimise the size difference between the competitors.

The press conference avoided excessive theatrics. Joshua and Paul answered questions directly, focusing on the upcoming fight rather than personal rivalries. Former heavyweight Dillian Whyte has called for a rematch with Joshua, but the fighter confirmed his focus is on Paul for this bout.

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This fight represents Joshua’s first high-profile match following his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. His work with Usyk’s team signals a strategic approach to rebuilding in the heavyweight division. The bout carries both commercial significance and professional stakes, offering a platform for each fighter to reinforce their standing.

While the outcome remains uncertain, both fighters made it clear they intend to compete at full intensity. The event is set to attract widespread attention, marking a key moment for boxing in 2025.

The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Peru as part of an official overseas engagement. Her itinerary included meetings with local organisations, community leaders, and government officials.

In Lima, she met with teams working on women’s safety, including groups addressing domestic violence and sexual abuse. Survivors of these issues were present during parts of the discussions.

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She also met with organisations involved in child protection and anti-trafficking work. Young people participated in these sessions and shared their experiences with the groups present.

The Duchess visited the Andean highlands, where she met with scientists and community representatives to discuss environmental challenges in the region. Topics included water availability, land management, and the impact of climate conditions on local communities.

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During her visit to Cusco, she attended workshops where students practised traditional crafts. She also toured heritage sites and met with preservation teams who explained the effects of tourism on historic structures.

Officials from the British government noted the visit as part of her ongoing international work. She concluded the visit with a meeting at the Government Palace in Lima with President José Jerí, where discussions focused on bilateral cooperation and ongoing UK–Peru projects.

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Throughout the visit, the Duchess participated in scheduled cultural and social engagements, observing local initiatives and meeting with staff, leaders, and participants of the programmes she visited.

The visit highlighted ongoing issues in social protection, environmental management, and cultural preservation in Peru, and provided opportunities for UK officials and local organisations to discuss current projects and collaboration.