Yesterday, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands hosted lunch for distinguished Dutch citizens who have a special achievement.
The lunch took place at Noordeinde Palace with 26 guests in attendance who, the Royal House said, had “distinguished themselves by a special achievement.” They have all recently received an award in different sectors including art, culture, media, science, sport and business.
The King and Queen hold these lunches to recognise and thank the Dutch people who have stood out amongst their peers. The royal couple posed for an official photo after the lunch which the Royal House later released to the press.
Eurovision Song Contest winner, Duncan Laurence, was among the guests and said about the experience to Vorsten, “It was really bizarre to be there. It was really great fun. Very bizarre to have been in the palace. It is so beautiful there.”
Regarding Their Majesties taking time to speak to everyone, he said, “They really go everyone piece by piece.”
It was no surprise that he was on the invite list as Queen Máxima said back in May that if he won Eurovision he would be invited to the annual meal.
Others in attendance included comedian Herman Finkers, Liverpool footballer Virgil van Dijk, and presenter Jeroen Pauw.