The Dutch media has been informed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the state banquet on the first evening of the State Visit of Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to the UK. King Willem-Alexander’s sister-in-law, Princess Mabel has also been invited.
On Wednesday morning, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will arrive in London for their two-day state visit to the UK. They will be welcomed by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Dutch residency. Then, Their Majesties will head to the Horse Guards Parade for the official welcome by Her Majesty The Queen.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will then continue the day with a lunch at Buckingham Palace and a tour at the Picture Gallery. They will next head to Westminster Abbey where they’ll be shown around and where they’ll lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
Then it’s time for politics as Their Majesties will head to the Houses of Parliament, and they’ll meet with the leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are also to host Their Majesties for tea at Clarence House.
In the evening, there will be the traditional state banquet at the end of the first day of the state visit. It has been confirmed to the Dutch media that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as expected, will be supporting Her Majesty by attending the banquet. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are also expected to make an appearance at the dinner. Even the Duke of Edinburgh will be supporting his wife, The Queen. There will be around 150 guests at the state banquet.
The sister-in-law of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, Princess Mabel has also received an invitation of Her Majesty The Queen to attend the banquet. Princess Mabel of Orange is the widow of the late Prince Friso, the brother of King Willem-Alexander who passed away after a ski accident in 2013. Princess Mabel and her two daughters live in London.
