Prince William, Kate Middleton to continue ‘crucial’ tradition during upcoming state visit

Prince William and Kate Middleton will welcome President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the current German head of state, and First Lady Elke Büdenbender on their state visit to the UK this week — continuing their newfound tradition of doing so.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have recently become the go-to royals for receiving world leaders during their official visits to the country before they join the King and Queen, described by Tatler as “a crucial role” — “In a sign of their importance when it comes to matters of diplomacy, Prince William and Catherine will be the first royals that the visiting Presidential couple meet before they are formally welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Royal Dais on Datchet Road.”

This year, William and Kate have received Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump, the French and American leaders respectively. The couple also hosted Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of Jordan and his wife, Princess Rajwa, at Windsor Castle in October.

Royal experts and observers have noted the Wales team’s recently appointed duty as a key endorsement of their preparation for becoming the future king and queen.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender will meet Prince William and Kate Middleton when they arrive in the UK for their state visit on December 3, set to carry through to December 5.