The Queen's Last State Visit: A Symbolic Gesture of Unity

The Royal Touch: How Queen Elizabeth II's Final State Visit Abroad Demonstrated Her Irresistible Soft Power

In a move that sent shockwaves of excitement throughout Germany, Queen Elizabeth II embarked on her final state visit abroad in June 2015, a trip that would perfectly encapsulate the monarch's unparalleled soft power. This momentous occasion was nothing short of symbolic, taking place shortly after the 70th anniversary of VE Day – an event that held great significance for the Queen, who had grown up amidst the devastation of World War II.

As she arrived in Berlin with her entourage, it became apparent that this state visit would be one to remember. The Queen's presence was met with unprecedented fanfare, with crowds gathering at every turn to catch a glimpse of the revered monarch. Lord McDonald, the former permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office and Britain's ambassador to Germany at the time, recalled the electrifying atmosphere: "As it drove along the urban motorway, the traffic on the other side of the road was stationary, and people were standing on the roof of their cars, waving and cheering as she went by."

But it wasn't just the German public who were enamored with the Queen's visit. When she attended a university lecture as part of her engagements, none other than Angela Merkel – then Germany's Chancellor – turned up unannounced to sit next to Her Majesty, sending shockwaves through the diplomatic community.

The timing of the state visit couldn't have been more crucial. With the Brexit referendum looming large on the horizon, Prime Minister David Cameron took a bold step by joining the Queen on this historic trip. As Low revealed in his book "Power and the Palace," Cameron's decision was motivated by a desire to prepare the ground for potential concessions that would persuade voters to support Remain.

The Queen's presence proved to be the catalyst for a whirlwind of diplomatic activity, with world leaders clamoring for an audience with her. In fact, according to Sir David Manning – a former ambassador and mentor to Prince William and Prince Harry – a visit by the sovereign or heir to the throne can yield far more public impact than any diplomatic mission led by a British minister.

"This is because, unlike ministers who are there to negotiate deals, the Queen's visits can create a climate of goodwill and cooperation that opens doors for her diplomats," Manning explained in an interview with Low. "And, as you'd expect, this access comes at a price – the prospect of meeting the Queen being a major pull factor for visiting foreign leaders."

This phenomenon was not lost on Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman when he visited Britain in 2018. The government rolled out the red carpet for him, including arranging a meeting with the cabinet in the cabinet room. However, whispers quickly spread that the Crown Prince was disappointed to learn there would be no meeting with the Queen.

Undeterred by this setback, Her Majesty responded with alacrity and arranged a lunch at Buckingham Palace – an event that would prove to be the highlight of his visit. This incident highlights the enduring allure of the Royal Family for world leaders, who are drawn to their soft power like moths to a flame.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 has left a gaping void, but her successor, King Charles III, has taken it upon himself to demonstrate that the fascination with the Royal Family abroad is very much alive and well. His own state visit to Germany in March 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, with crowds flocking to catch a glimpse of him during a royal walkabout in Berlin.

The high point of the visit came when Charles shook hands with well-wishers near the famous Brandenburg Gate – an encounter that would prove to be both humorous and heartwarming. One enthusiastic fan attempted to present him with a Burger King crown, which he politely declined, saying "I'm alright!" He also grinned and said no to another crown offered by a woman who exclaimed, "I have a present for you."

But it was the moment when Charles picked up a man's cap and returned it to its grateful owner that stole the show. The crowd erupted into applause as the King continued his tour, shaking hands and posing for selfies with fans alongside his wife Camilla.

The visit came at a crucial juncture in British-German relations, with both countries grappling with the challenges posed by the Russian war in Ukraine and climate change. As Low pointed out, "This was a moment when the UK needed to demonstrate its commitment to the European project, and King Charles III's state visit served as a powerful reminder of our shared values and goals."

The aftermath of this visit serves as a testament to the enduring power of the Royal Family's soft diplomacy – an ability that has captivated world leaders for generations. As the Queen herself once said during her 2015 speech at the State Banquet in Berlin: "In the 50 years since our first visit, our countries have lived through many profound changes... I am very glad to record that one of the irreversible changes for the better in my lifetime has been in the relationship between the United Kingdom and Germany."

In the words of Lord McDonald, this trip was nothing short of "a once-in-a-lifetime experience" that will be remembered for generations to come. The legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's final state visit abroad lives on through her son, King Charles III, who has continued to wield the same magic with his own state visits – a reminder that the allure of the Royal Family remains as strong as ever in the world of international diplomacy.

By [Your Name], published on TheScholarlyNote.com

Sources:

• Low, Valentine. "Power and the Palace" (book)
• Lord McDonald, former permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office
• Sir David Manning, former ambassador and mentor to Prince William and Prince Harry
• King Charles III's state visit to Germany in March 2023