Roads to shut for German president's state visit

King Charles met Mr Steinmeier in Germany in March 2023

Some roads in Windsor will close ahead of the state visit of German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier from Wednesday.

The King and Queen will host Mr Steinmeier and his wife, former judge Elke Büdenbender, at Windsor Castle until Friday.

Several roads will be closed between 09:00 and 15:00 GMT on Tuesday and Wednesday, along with two taxi ranks in the town.

Airspace restrictions will be in place during Wednesday and Thursday over Windsor, along with other parts of east Berkshire, south Buckinghamshire and north Surrey.

The Pipes No. 12 Company Irish Guards played as part of the Changing of the Guard ceremonies outside Windsor Castle on Thursday

Castle Hill, the B470, Barry Avenue, High Street, Park Street, Sheet Street and St Alban's Street are expected to be closed.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead said traffic might be held for short periods to facilitate military movements around the town on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It also said there might be delays on both days between 10:40 and 11:20, and 12:40 and 13:15 on Maidenhead Road, Royal Windsor Way, Clarence Road Roundabout, Goslar Way, Osborne Road, Kings Road Roundabout, Albert Road, St Leonards Road and Frances Road.

Taxi ranks on Thames Street and Farmyard will be shut from 08:30 until 16:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ranks on Victoria Street will be open.

The Home Park, King Edward VII, River Street and Romney car parks will also be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Businesses will be open as normal.

Mr Steinmeier and Ms Büdenbender will be welcomed on an open air royal dais in the centre of the town and enjoy a carriage ride through the streets, past crowds, to Windsor Castle.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will also greet Mr Steinmeier and Ms Büdenbender at Heathrow Airport and accompany them to Windsor on Wednesday morning.

The state visit is the first by a German leader for 27 years and he is due to go to Downing Street for talks with Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday afternoon.

He is scheduled to privately lay flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George's Chapel, before joining the King and Queen for a reception to celebrate volunteering, on Thursday.