File:Duke of Cambridge in North Rhine-Westphalia.jpg

English: The Duke of Cambridge visited Düsseldorf onTuesday 23rd August to attend a series of events honouring the role of the British Forces in Germany, and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).During the visit, His Royal Highness saw a military parade with NRW Minister President Hannelore Kraft, met BFG personnel at a reception, and attend a 70th anniversary gala alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel.The events of the 23rd August in Düsseldorf will celebrate both the historic and current ties between NRW and Britain. To commemorate Britain's military contribution, The Duke will see NRW Minister President Hannelore Kraft present the Fahnenband, the Federal state's highest military honour, to 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade, in acknowledgment of their service to the defence of Germany. Following the parade, His Royal Highness will attend a reception in Düsseldorf's NRW Forum, where he'll meet members of the Brigade and their families. The soldiers on Parade forming the Honour Guard are from the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment based in Barker Barracks Paderborn. The Pennant Party comprises two Officers and two SNCOs from Headquarters 20 Armoured Infantry Brigade. The musical accompaniment is being provided by the Band of the Grenadier Guards.Photographer; Mr Dominic KingArmy Press Office GermanyInfo;NRW was established on 23rd August 1946 by the British Military Government, following the end of the Second World War,“Operation Marriage” merged the regions of North Rhine and Westphalia together. For almost 70 years, a large British military presence has remained in the region – known as British Forces Germany – playing a vital role during the Cold War and in the reconstruction of its area of occupation.The strong links between NRW and Britain remain today, with approximately 27,000 British citizens living in the state, and 345 British firms basing their companies here.The end of Second World War 70 years ago ushered in a new alliance between the UK and Germany. Precipitated by the Cold War, the role of British troops in Germany quickly changed from one of occupier to protector, with British forces playing a key role in the Berlin Airlift. Towns and cities across Britain and Germany forged twinning programmes, with the partnership between Coventry and Dresden remaining the ultimate symbol of British-German reconciliation. Düsseldorf-Reading was the first town twinning established after World War II and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2017.The Fahnenband is the highest German honour awarded to military units or organisations by theFederal President (federal Fahnenband) or the Minister Presidents of the federal states (state Fahnenband), in honour of a special achievement or event. This presentation of the NRW Fahnenband to 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade is only the second time this state Fahnenband has been presented to a British unit. The Brigade will be honoured for their service and contribution to the defence of Germany during the‘Cold War’, for good causes, being good neighbours and encouraging cultural links in NRW.