THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: British and German empires come together in Berlin

From the News Letter, February 11, 1909
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A warm welcome was accorded to King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in Berlin this week in 1909 by the German Emperor Wilhelm II.

In a speech delivered during a state banquet the emperor said: “Ancient traditions and close ties of relationship unite us, and our various meetings have ever been to me a source of special satisfaction. Hardly more than a year ago the empress and myself, as your Majesty’s guests, had the privilege of spending memorable days in the venerable castle at Windsor. We hope that your Majesties also will enjoy yourselves with us, and that your stay, which is unfortunately but brief, will leave pleasant recollections behind.”

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The emperor turned the focus to Queen Alexandra who he referred to as “our dear aunt”.

King Edward VII and Emperor Nicholas II of Russia in June 1908King Edward VII and Emperor Nicholas II of Russia in June 1908
King Edward VII and Emperor Nicholas II of Russia in June 1908

Emperor Wilhelm remarked: “We are specially grateful to her that she has not shrunk from the northern winter journey in order to afford us by her coming to Berlin a proof of feelings of kinsmanship.”

He continued: “Your Majesty may be assured that with me, my capital and residence of Berlin, and the whole German empire see in your Majesty’s presence a token of the friendly sentiments which induced your Majesty to pay this visit.”

Responding to the emperor’s address King Edward VII spoke in German and raised a toast to the German empire, he said: “With the wish that the prosperous development of your Majesty’s entire empire may also continue in the future, I raise my glass to the health of your Majesty, her Majesty the empress and your House.”

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