The Dutch Royal Family hosted Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako for a glittering state banquet at the Palace.
Wednesday evening marked a significant milestone for the Japanese Imperial Couple. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are currently on a state visit to the Netherlands and will go on to Belgium at the conclusion of the trip. Yesterday was meaningful for the Japanese couple as it was their first state visit to a European country.
Around 200 invited guests joined the royal party for the festivities celebrating the relationship between the two countries. The Dutch King first addressed the banquet, offering warm words of welcome. His Majesty noted his gratitude for the friendship between the two families and for the enduring bonds.
Emperor Naruhito then gave a speech in return, in which he touched upon the exchanges between Japan and the Netherlands that have continued since 1600. The Emperor also spoke about watching the World Cup together this past Sunday, expressing delight at the “peaceful result” of the score being tied 2-2.
The Princess of Orange, Princess Catharina-Amalia, as well as Princess Ariane, were also in attendance and were bestowed honours in their own right. The Princess of Orange was wearing the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum, while Ariane was given the Order of the Precious Crown.
There was also history being made on the Dutch side with Princess Ariane making her state visit debut, including her first time wearing a tiara. The youngest of the Dutch King and Queen wore ‘Queen Emma’s Diamond Tiara’, which dates back to the reign of King William III of the Netherlands and was gifted to the Queen just after the death of her husband.
Princess Beatrix, Princess Laurentien, Princess Margriet, and Prof. Pieter van Vollenhoven also assisted in hosting the Japanese Imperial Couple.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will complete their official schedule in the Netherlands before heading to Belgium later this month.
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