William and Catherine warmly welcome the German president and his wife during an early morning diplomatic greeting at Heathrow Airport

The day kicked off in a surprisingly calm way at Heathrow Airport, where William and Catherine stepped in to welcome a pair of distinguished visitors.

Representing the King, they arrived early and relaxed, ready to handle the kind of warm, understated diplomacy they’ve both grown so used to.

Greeting the German President in Their Stead

Not long after they settled in, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, landed.

William and Catherine were the first faces they saw — offering handshakes, smiles, and the sort of polished hospitality that makes these formal visits feel a little more personal.

A Stand-In Moment for the Monarch

Although the King wasn’t present, the couple made sure the welcome felt just as official.

Their role today was simple but symbolic: act as the King’s representatives and set the tone for the visit.

And as always, they handled it with that familiar mix of grace and easy conversation.

So… What Happens Next?

Now that the formal airport greeting is out of the way, attention shifts to the rest of the visit.

From meetings to cultural engagements, there’s a full schedule ahead — and William and Catherine’s warm reception this morning set everything in motion.