this is epitomised so clearly today as we stand together with ukraine in defence of freedom and sovereignty in the face of unprovoked aggression. the king had received the first full ceremonial welcome at the brandenburg gate for any state visitor. he inspected the guard of honour, standard fare for a state visit, it's all about the bonds, the links that remain. it's about shared histories and shared values. friendship between two european nations. it's a message which will be repeated when the king becomes the first british monarch to address the german federal parliament. his message is expected to underline those many areas of shared endeavour from trade to climate change to guaranteed