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The Netherlands

The Queen hosts King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands for afternoon tea

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands have made their first visit to Britain since Willem-Alexander’s investiture.

On Wednesday, The Queen welcomed to the new monarch and consort to Windsor Castle as she hosted afternoon tea for the couple.

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The Queen was pleased to welcome the new King and Queen of the Netherlands. Photo: rtlnieuws.nl

The new king and queen were welcomed warmly by The Queen, and the trio seemed pleased to be meeting. This was Willem-Alexander and Maxima’s first official visit to the United Kingdom since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011.

After greeting the couple, the Queen led them into the Castle’s oak room where they briefly posed for photos before sitting down for afternoon tea.

The Queen has enjoyed a close relationship with Holland’s royal family and the 87-year-old monarch is said to have a close friendship with former Queen Beatrix, now Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.

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Willem-Alexander and Maxima joined The Queen for afternoon tea. Photo: rtlnieuws.nl

Beatrix announced she would be abdicating in favour of her son, in an address to the nation in January, saying Willem-Alexander was ready to be king and it was time for a “new generation’.

In April, Beatrix officially stood down and huge crowds gathered outside the Palace in Dam Square as the three royals emerged on the balcony after signing the deed of abdication.

“I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new king, Willem-Alexander,” Beatrix announced to the crowds being met by rapturous applause.

After a moment to take in the scene, Beatrix left the balcony and the new king and queen’s three children appeared.

Catharina-Amalia, the couple’s eldest daughter, now becomes Princess of Orange and is first in line for the Dutch throne.

Willem-Alexander is the country’s first king since 1890.

Royals from around the world attended the day’s celebrations as Willem-Alexander became king and Britain was represented by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.