The Queen paid her respects to the victims of war and dictatorship at Berlin's Neue Wache Memorial today, as her fifth state visit to Germany got underway in earnest.
Watched by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty stood silently in contemplation for several moments before laying a wreath made up of blue, red and white flowers which carried the simple message: 'In Memory'.
The visit to the memorial came after an official welcome from Germany's President Joachim Gauck on the steps of the Schloss Bellevue (Bellevue Palace), followed by a meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Chancellery in central Berlin.
Her Majesty, who was resplendent in the same ivory Angela Kelly ensemble worn for the 2012 Diamond Jubilee river pageant, is currently making a three-day visit to the country and will spend tomorrow in Frankfurt before visiting the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on Friday.
Today's schedule kicked off with a ceremonial welcome at the Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the German president, during which the Queen was shown a stylised portrait of herself as a child riding a pony.
The modernist artwork prompted a less-than-diplomatic response, with Her Majesty quipping 'That's a funny colour for a horse!' on being shown the painting, which depicts her as Princess Elizabeth riding a blue pony flecked with yellow and green.
Artist Nicole Leidenfrost had also included the Queen's father George VI in the work but Her Majesty struggled to identify him, asking President Gauck: 'Is that supposed to be my father?'
'Don't you recognise him?' asked a good-natured President Gauck. 'No,' replied the Queen.
Artistic differences thrashed out, the morning continued in a more traditional manner with the Duke of Edinburgh left delighted by his gift, an 18th century map of Europe, and a box of luxury marzipan.
When Angela met the Queen: Her Majesty pays her respects to victims of war and dictatorship watched by Chancellor Merkel
The Queen is on a state visit to Germany and enjoyed an official welcome from President Gauck this morning
Her Majesty, who looked wonderful in an ivory ensemble by Angela Kelly, also met with Chancellor Angela Merkel
After a boat trip along the River Spree in Berlin, the Queen visited the Neue Wache Memorial and laid a wreath
Dedicated to the victims of war and dictatorship, it is the focus of the People's Mourning Day each November
By Rebecca English In Berlin For Mailonline and Ruth Styles for MailOnline
24 June 2015
Daily Mail
The Queen paid her respects to the victims of war and dictatorship at Berlin's Neue Wache Memorial today, as her fifth state visit to Germany got underway in earnest.
Watched by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty stood silently in contemplation for several moments before laying a wreath made up of blue, red and white flowers which carried the simple message: 'In Memory'.
The visit to the memorial came after an official welcome from Germany's President Joachim Gauck on the steps of the Schloss Bellevue followed by a meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Chancellery in central Berlin.
Paying her respects: The Queen leaves a red, white and blue tribute to victims of war and dictatorship at the Neue Wache memorial in Berlin
Solemn: The moment came as the first full day of the Queen's historic state visit to Germany got underway
Poignant: The memorial, which was built in 1816 and turned into a memorial in 1931, is the focus of November's People's Day of Mourning
Remembrance: The Queen, who is the only surviving Head of State in the world today who served in WWII, pauses in contemplation after laying the wreath
Touching: The simple note attached to the red, white and blue wreath read: 'In Memory' and was embossed with a Buckingham Palace crest
Her Majesty, who was resplendent in the same ivory Angela Kelly ensemble worn for the 2012 Diamond Jubilee river pageant, is currently making a three-day visit to the country and will spend tomorrow in Frankfurt before visiting the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on Friday.
Today's schedule kicked off with a ceremonial welcome at the Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the German president, during which the Queen was shown a stylised portrait of herself as a child riding a pony.
The modernist artwork prompted a less-than-diplomatic response, with Her Majesty quipping 'That's a funny colour for a horse!' on being shown the painting, which depicts her as Princess Elizabeth riding a blue pony flecked with yellow and green.
Artist Nicole Leidenfrost had also included the Queen's father George VI in the work but Her Majesty struggled to identify him, asking President Gauck: 'Is that supposed to be my father?'
'Don't you recognise him?' asked a good-natured President Gauck. 'No,' replied the Queen.
Artistic differences thrashed out, the morning continued in a more traditional manner with the Duke of Edinburgh left delighted by his gift, an 18th century map of Europe, and a box of luxury marzipan.
All smiles: The Queen beams as she shakes hands with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin this morning
Interest: The moment was captured by hundreds of German camera lenses - the visit has prompted huge excitement in the country
Warm welcome: The Queen is ushered inside the Chancellery for a cup of tea by a smiling Chancellor Angela Merkel
Taking ship: The Queen and Prince Philip sail down the River Spree accompanied by President Joachim Gauck and his partner Daniela Schadt
Royal wave: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh used the occasion to wave at the huge crowds of well-wishers lining the river bank
Looking around: The royal couple were given a tour of the sights by President Gauck who cheerfully pointed out the major landmarks
In return the Queen and Duke gave the president Briefe Eines Verstorbenen, a four volume set of the early 19th century letters of German nobleman Prince Hermann von Puckler-Muskau chronicling his journey around England, Wales, Ireland and France.
There was also a private gift to the president's partner of 16 years Daniela Schadt - a pair of candlesticks.
Afterwards, the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the presidential couple enjoyed a trip up the Spree River in an open-top boat and were left smiling by the cheers of the huge crowds that had lined the river banks to see them.
On the bridges above, schoolchildren cheered and waved British and German flags, while helicopters circled overhead - providing footage for the 24-hour rolling news coverage being laid on by German TV.
The Queen appeared delighted by the enthusiasm of her reception. She smiled warmly and waved a lilac-gloved hand at the crowds, as President Gauck pointed out the landmarks.
The Duke - leaning casually with one elbow on the outside of the boat - also appeared caught up in the moment and beamed broadly as he waved at the onlookers.
Enjoying the applause: The Queen looks up at well-wishers peering down from a bridge during her cruise up the River Spree
Tribute: The boat used for the occasion, the Ajax, was built and launched in 1926 - the year that Her Majesty was born
Pleased: The Duke of Edinburgh looked particularly delighted by the reception and spent the journey smiling and waving at the crowds
Delighted: Huge crowds of locals had lined the river bank to see the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the presidential couple go by
Friendship: Children standing on the bridges over the river waved German tricolours and British Union flags
One group of schoolchildren, wearing T shirts that proclaimed them to be members of Class 6B, sang God Save The Queen in English.
But there was one note of dissent, which came in the shape of a lone protester in a bird mask who shouted something unintelligible at the royal party as a sound system boomed out Give Peace A Chance. He was swiftly moved on by the police.
At the Chancellery, the Queen enjoyed a cup of tea with Mrs Merkel before sitting down to a private discussion - with even Prince Philip banished from the room.
Mrs Merkel was seen, however, showing the Queen the Berlin skyline from her office, pointing out landmarks including where the infamous wall used to run through the centre of the city, separating East from West.
After the meeting with Mrs Merkel, the Queen returned to a more habitual mode of transport - a Bentley limousine - for the journey to the Neue Wache memorial.
Meeting the crowds: The British and German heads of state chat to the crowds outside the Schloss Bellevue in Berlin
Looking lovely: The Queen was resplendent in an ivory Angela Kelly ensemble last seen during the Diamond Jubilee river pageant in 2012
Signing on the line: The Queen signs the guest book at the Schloss Bellevue watched by President Gauck of Germany and Prince Philip
Official portrait: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are flanked by Germany's First Lady Daniela Schadt (left) and President Gauck (right)
Grand tour: After the red carpet photos, the Queen was shown into the Schloss Bellevue's gardens for the welcome ceremony
Inspecting the troops: The ceremony began with the Queen inspecting her honour guard of German troops
Built in 1816, the beautiful colonnaded structure was originally used to house imperial Prussian troops but was repurposed and turned into a war memorial in 1931.
During the Nazi period, it became the focus of the annual Heldengedenktag (Day of Commemoration of Heroes) but in recent years, it has become the focal point for Volkstrauertag (People's Mourning Day) which recognises victims of both war and dictatorships.
Later today, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will return to the Schloss Bellevue for a state banquet hosted by President Gauck, which will also be attended by David Cameron, Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.
Tomorrow will see Her Majesty travel to Frankfurt where she will mingle with the locals in Römerberg, the city's central square, while Friday morning will see a repeat in Berlin's Pariser Platz.
Before travelling back to the UK on Friday evening, the royal couple will also make a historic visit to the site of the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Lower Saxony where an estimated 70,000 people, among them diarist Anne Frank, died.
The camp, which opened in 1943, was liberated two years later on 15th April 1945 by the men of the advancing British Army.
Royal salute: The Queen then received a salute from the commander before God Save The Queen was played by the band
Heading inside: Afterwards, the Queen and President Gauck made their way into the Schloss Bellevue for a private discussion
View from the top: A photo taken from the window of the Schloss Bellevue offers a bird's eye view of the welcome ceremony
En route: The Queen listens to the Duke of Edinburgh during the short ride from central Hotel Adlon to the Schloss Bellevue
Starting off: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh leave the Hotel Adlon, which overlooks the Brandenburg Gate, ahead of their first visit
Watched by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty stood silently in contemplation for several moments before laying a wreath made up of blue, red and white flowers which carried the simple message: 'In Memory'.
The visit to the memorial came after an official welcome from Germany's President Joachim Gauck on the steps of the Schloss Bellevue (Bellevue Palace), followed by a meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Chancellery in central Berlin.
Her Majesty, who was resplendent in the same ivory Angela Kelly ensemble worn for the 2012 Diamond Jubilee river pageant, is currently making a three-day visit to the country and will spend tomorrow in Frankfurt before visiting the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on Friday.
Today's schedule kicked off with a ceremonial welcome at the Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the German president, during which the Queen was shown a stylised portrait of herself as a child riding a pony.
The modernist artwork prompted a less-than-diplomatic response, with Her Majesty quipping 'That's a funny colour for a horse!' on being shown the painting, which depicts her as Princess Elizabeth riding a blue pony flecked with yellow and green.
Artist Nicole Leidenfrost had also included the Queen's father George VI in the work but Her Majesty struggled to identify him, asking President Gauck: 'Is that supposed to be my father?'
'Don't you recognise him?' asked a good-natured President Gauck. 'No,' replied the Queen.
Artistic differences thrashed out, the morning continued in a more traditional manner with the Duke of Edinburgh left delighted by his gift, an 18th century map of Europe, and a box of luxury marzipan.
When Angela met the Queen: Her Majesty pays her respects to victims of war and dictatorship watched by Chancellor Merkel
The Queen is on a state visit to Germany and enjoyed an official welcome from President Gauck this morning
Her Majesty, who looked wonderful in an ivory ensemble by Angela Kelly, also met with Chancellor Angela Merkel
After a boat trip along the River Spree in Berlin, the Queen visited the Neue Wache Memorial and laid a wreath
Dedicated to the victims of war and dictatorship, it is the focus of the People's Mourning Day each November
By Rebecca English In Berlin For Mailonline and Ruth Styles for MailOnline
24 June 2015
Daily Mail
The Queen paid her respects to the victims of war and dictatorship at Berlin's Neue Wache Memorial today, as her fifth state visit to Germany got underway in earnest.
Watched by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty stood silently in contemplation for several moments before laying a wreath made up of blue, red and white flowers which carried the simple message: 'In Memory'.
The visit to the memorial came after an official welcome from Germany's President Joachim Gauck on the steps of the Schloss Bellevue followed by a meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Chancellery in central Berlin.
Paying her respects: The Queen leaves a red, white and blue tribute to victims of war and dictatorship at the Neue Wache memorial in Berlin
Solemn: The moment came as the first full day of the Queen's historic state visit to Germany got underway
Touching: The simple note attached to the red, white and blue wreath read: 'In Memory' and was embossed with a Buckingham Palace crest
Her Majesty, who was resplendent in the same ivory Angela Kelly ensemble worn for the 2012 Diamond Jubilee river pageant, is currently making a three-day visit to the country and will spend tomorrow in Frankfurt before visiting the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on Friday.
Today's schedule kicked off with a ceremonial welcome at the Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the German president, during which the Queen was shown a stylised portrait of herself as a child riding a pony.
The modernist artwork prompted a less-than-diplomatic response, with Her Majesty quipping 'That's a funny colour for a horse!' on being shown the painting, which depicts her as Princess Elizabeth riding a blue pony flecked with yellow and green.
Artist Nicole Leidenfrost had also included the Queen's father George VI in the work but Her Majesty struggled to identify him, asking President Gauck: 'Is that supposed to be my father?'
'Don't you recognise him?' asked a good-natured President Gauck. 'No,' replied the Queen.
Artistic differences thrashed out, the morning continued in a more traditional manner with the Duke of Edinburgh left delighted by his gift, an 18th century map of Europe, and a box of luxury marzipan.
Warm welcome: The Queen is ushered inside the Chancellery for a cup of tea by a smiling Chancellor Angela Merkel
Taking ship: The Queen and Prince Philip sail down the River Spree accompanied by President Joachim Gauck and his partner Daniela Schadt
Royal wave: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh used the occasion to wave at the huge crowds of well-wishers lining the river bank
Looking around: The royal couple were given a tour of the sights by President Gauck who cheerfully pointed out the major landmarks
In return the Queen and Duke gave the president Briefe Eines Verstorbenen, a four volume set of the early 19th century letters of German nobleman Prince Hermann von Puckler-Muskau chronicling his journey around England, Wales, Ireland and France.
There was also a private gift to the president's partner of 16 years Daniela Schadt - a pair of candlesticks.
Afterwards, the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the presidential couple enjoyed a trip up the Spree River in an open-top boat and were left smiling by the cheers of the huge crowds that had lined the river banks to see them.
On the bridges above, schoolchildren cheered and waved British and German flags, while helicopters circled overhead - providing footage for the 24-hour rolling news coverage being laid on by German TV.
The Queen appeared delighted by the enthusiasm of her reception. She smiled warmly and waved a lilac-gloved hand at the crowds, as President Gauck pointed out the landmarks.
The Duke - leaning casually with one elbow on the outside of the boat - also appeared caught up in the moment and beamed broadly as he waved at the onlookers.
Friendship: Children standing on the bridges over the river waved German tricolours and British Union flags
One group of schoolchildren, wearing T shirts that proclaimed them to be members of Class 6B, sang God Save The Queen in English.
But there was one note of dissent, which came in the shape of a lone protester in a bird mask who shouted something unintelligible at the royal party as a sound system boomed out Give Peace A Chance. He was swiftly moved on by the police.
At the Chancellery, the Queen enjoyed a cup of tea with Mrs Merkel before sitting down to a private discussion - with even Prince Philip banished from the room.
Mrs Merkel was seen, however, showing the Queen the Berlin skyline from her office, pointing out landmarks including where the infamous wall used to run through the centre of the city, separating East from West.
After the meeting with Mrs Merkel, the Queen returned to a more habitual mode of transport - a Bentley limousine - for the journey to the Neue Wache memorial.
Meeting the crowds: The British and German heads of state chat to the crowds outside the Schloss Bellevue in Berlin
Looking lovely: The Queen was resplendent in an ivory Angela Kelly ensemble last seen during the Diamond Jubilee river pageant in 2012
Signing on the line: The Queen signs the guest book at the Schloss Bellevue watched by President Gauck of Germany and Prince Philip
Official portrait: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are flanked by Germany's First Lady Daniela Schadt (left) and President Gauck (right)
Grand tour: After the red carpet photos, the Queen was shown into the Schloss Bellevue's gardens for the welcome ceremony
Inspecting the troops: The ceremony began with the Queen inspecting her honour guard of German troops
Built in 1816, the beautiful colonnaded structure was originally used to house imperial Prussian troops but was repurposed and turned into a war memorial in 1931.
During the Nazi period, it became the focus of the annual Heldengedenktag (Day of Commemoration of Heroes) but in recent years, it has become the focal point for Volkstrauertag (People's Mourning Day) which recognises victims of both war and dictatorships.
Later today, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will return to the Schloss Bellevue for a state banquet hosted by President Gauck, which will also be attended by David Cameron, Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.
Tomorrow will see Her Majesty travel to Frankfurt where she will mingle with the locals in Römerberg, the city's central square, while Friday morning will see a repeat in Berlin's Pariser Platz.
Before travelling back to the UK on Friday evening, the royal couple will also make a historic visit to the site of the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Lower Saxony where an estimated 70,000 people, among them diarist Anne Frank, died.
The camp, which opened in 1943, was liberated two years later on 15th April 1945 by the men of the advancing British Army.
Royal salute: The Queen then received a salute from the commander before God Save The Queen was played by the band
Heading inside: Afterwards, the Queen and President Gauck made their way into the Schloss Bellevue for a private discussion
View from the top: A photo taken from the window of the Schloss Bellevue offers a bird's eye view of the welcome ceremony
Starting off: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh leave the Hotel Adlon, which overlooks the Brandenburg Gate, ahead of their first visit
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