On the final day of the German State Visit, The Duke of Kent undertook a rare public engagement with the German President at the ruins of Coventry Cathedral.
2025 marks the 85th anniversary of the devastating air raid that destroyed much of the city and the Duke’s presence in Coventry echoed that of his uncle, George VI, who visited the ruins just two days after the bombing in November 1940, as part of the German blitzkrieg campaign against the UK.
Prince Edward, who recently marked his 90th birthday, arrived at the cathedral ruins awaiting the German Head of State. When President Steinmeier entered, he warmly greeted the Duke with a handshake, saying: ‘Your Royal Highness, good to see you again’.
Both men were presented with wreaths to be laid on their behalf. A cadet handed President Steinmeier a wreath of black, yellow and red flowers adorned with a German flag, inscribed ‘The Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany.’
Bowing his head, the President watched as the wreath was placed upon the old cathedral’s altar, beneath the charred cross of roof timbers and the inscription ‘Father Forgive.’
Three additional wreaths of white and red flowers were laid nearby, including one on behalf of The Duke of Kent.
Following the wreath-laying, the President and First Lady were shown inside Coventry’s cathedral, partially re-constructed in 1962 as a symbol of renewal.
Together with the Duke, they attended a prayer service led by the Dean of Coventry, the Very Reverend John Witcombe. Addressing the congregation, Mr Witcombe said: ‘We gather here today in this holy place of ruins and resurrection to welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Germany. Coventry and Dresden share a story shaped by destruction, rebuilding and courageous friendship.
‘Yet our gathering stands for more than the bond between two cities. It speaks of the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Germany – nations that have walked through the devastations of war, embraced reconciliation, and now stand side by side as advocates for peace in Europe and across the world.’
The Coventry Blitz of November 1940 claimed 568 lives and destroyed over 4,300 homes, leaving the city scarred.
In recognition of this shared wartime experience, Coventry is twinned with the German cities of Kiel and Dresden, themselves heavily bombed during the conflict.
The Duke of Kent, who recently mourned the loss of his wife, has played an active role in fostering British-German reconciliation, in his role as Patron of the Dresden Trust.
Edward – who is King Charles’ first cousin, once removed – has been instrumental in efforts to rebuild the city and foster goodwill between the two nations. He attended the 80th anniversary commemorations of the bombing of Dresden earlier this year, in a rare overseas visit, with his work being recognised with the Dresden Peace Prize, given to those working for peace and reconciliation in 2020.
