Dutch State Visit to The United Kingdom: Day One

Today, Tuesday October 23, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands began their two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

The King and the Queen started the day at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador where they were greeted by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, before having a meeting with the Dutch community resident in Great Britain.

At noon took place the official welcoming ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in the presence of Queen Elizabeth, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. King Willem-Alexander and Prince Charles inspected a guard of honour. Following the welcoming ceremony the royal party traveled in carriages to Buckingham Palace where Queen Elizabeth hosted a lunch.

https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1054705115771351040

In the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace, The Queen shows King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima an exhibition that showcases Dutch related items in the Royal Collection. #NetherlandsStateVisit pic.twitter.com/2dc3xargdq

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 23, 2018

After the lunch, in the Picture Gallery, the King and the Queen viewed a special exhibition that includes works by 17th century Dutch Masters from the Royal Collection. They were joined by members of the royal family.

In the afternoon the Royal Couple visited Westminster Abbey. Accompanied by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, the King and the Queen toured the Abbey and then laid a wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier. After a visit to the Parliament, the King and the Queen had tea at Clarence House with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Koning Willem-Alexander en Koningin Máxima leggen een krans bij het graf van de onbekende soldaat en maken een rondgang door Westminster Abbey. In @wabbey liggen de graven van Koning-stadhouder Willem III en Koningin Maria II. #NLUK pic.twitter.com/Kln5jmgWVQ

— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) October 23, 2018

Koning Willem-Alexander en Koningin Máxima ontmoeten de Prince of Wales en de Duchess of Cornwall voor thee op @ClarenceHouse #NLUK pic.twitter.com/WMqNxMgJpb

— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) October 23, 2018

“Honourable Members of Parliament, My Lords,” de Koning spreekt in het @UKParliament, het Palace of Westminster, het House of Commons en het House of Lords toe #NLUK https://t.co/1WSCtEi950 pic.twitter.com/nZEe62RPqg

— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) October 23, 2018

“Honourable Members of Parliament, My Lords,” de Koning spreekt in het @UKParliament, het Palace of Westminster, het House of Commons en het House of Lords toe #NLUK https://t.co/1WSCtEi950 pic.twitter.com/nZEe62RPqg

— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) October 23, 2018

In the evening Queen Elizabeth hosted a state banquet in honour of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Queen Elizabeth, along with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, posed for photographs with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima before heading into the banquet.

At the banquet, among the others, were present the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Prime Minister Theresa May, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Princess Mabel.

Hare Majesteit Koningin Elizabeth en De Prins van Wales en en Hunne Majesteiten Koning Willem-Alexander en Koningin Máxima in de Music Room voorafgaand aan het staatsbanket op Buckingham Palace. #NetherlandsStateVisit pic.twitter.com/eX9wKztwZl

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 23, 2018

In his speech the King praised Queen Elizabeth saying “You have seen your country, Europe and the world change dramatically over the past decades. Conversely, the world looks at You as a familiar beacon in the midst of all movement. What strikes you is your ability to constantly keep in touch with the pulse of time”. The King also added his grief for the British decision to leave the European Union, “As Europeans, we are therefore saddened that the United Kingdom has decided to leave the European Union” and added that “in the midst of all this complexity we must not lose sight of what the great story is that keeps us connected”.

Queen Elizabeth in her speech said “I recall the State Visit of your grandmother Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard in 1972, when I spoke of how our nations’ close understanding and relationship would become increasingly important as a new configuration of Europe was emerging” and added that “As we continue to work together to ensure peace, prosperity and security, I am confident that this friendship between The United Kingdom and The Netherlands, which we greatly treasure, will continue to deepen, and to prosper”.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall accompany guests to the Ballroom for the State Banquet.#NetherlandsStateVisit pic.twitter.com/9mIOHlwOZK

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 23, 2018

Filed under The Netherlands, The United Kingdom.

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