King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have begun a three-day State Visit to Belgium that will see them travelling all around the country.
On Tuesday, 20th June, the Dutch monarch and consort boarded a train and arrived in Brussels. They were then driven to the Royal Palace, where they received the official welcome from King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
The two monarchs then reviewed troops and listened to the two National Anthems being played before King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
The four royals reunited for a private lunch before the Dutch King and Queen proceeded to a visit to the Belgian Parliament and a meeting with the Prime Minister.
It was then time for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to once again join their Dutch counterparts for a meeting with the Mayor of Brussels, followed by a walk through the Belgian capital’s Grande Place, during which they also had a chance to interact with citizens and locals.
They then went back to Laeken Castle, where, in the evening, the highlight of every State Visit took place: the State Banquet.
Queen Máxima opted for a blush gown, which worked remarkably well as a backdrop for the magenta sash of the Order of Leopold from Belgium, and one of the smaller settings of the Stuart Tiara, which she complemented with the parure’s necklace, as well as earrings and two bracelets from the royal collection.
As for Queen Mathilde, she opted for an icy blue lace gown, once again a perfect complement to the blue and orange sash of the Order for the Netherlands Lion. On her head, the complete set of the Nine Provinces tiara, and around her neck, the Wolfers Tiara, which was a gift to Queen Fabiola. She finished the look with a pair of earrings and a diamond and aquamarines bracelet from her own collection.
During the banquet, both Kings offered speeches, highlighting the many things that Belgium and the Netherlands have in common and the many projects they share to tackle future goals and challenges.
The Dutch royals are travelling accompanied by a vast political delegation that includes Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs, Minister Dijkgraaf of Education, Culture and Science, Minister Schreinemacher for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Minister Adema of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management, Minister Ollongren of Defense, Minister Van Gennip of Social Affairs and Employment and Minister Adriaansens of Economic Affairs and Climate.
Day two saw a focus on biodiversity and space technology, as well as the return gala evening, while day three will entail, among other things, a visit to the port of Antwerp.
