Glitter and sparkle for the Dutch-Belgian State Visit

The Dutch State Visit to Belgium started on Tuesday as King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima arrived with the royal train at Brussels.

They were received by the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs before heading off to the Royal Palace to be welcomed by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. King Willem-Alexander inspected the Guard of Honour and the couple placed a wreath by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

After having lunch at the Royal Palace, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima visited the Federal Parliament and spoke with several representatives of the Senate. They also met with Prime Minister Alexander de Croo.

Later that afternoon, they were welcomed by the Mayor of Brussels and they had a walk through the city centre. At the City Hall in Brussels, they were able to greet the crowds from the balcony. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima also posed in front of the famous Atomium monument.

In the evening, a State Banquet was held, where both Kings held a speech. Queen Máxima wore the Stuart Tiara in a smaller setting while Queen Mathilde opted for the Nine Provinces Tiara in the full setting.

On the second day of the State Visit, the couples attended the Climate Tech Forum, where both Kings held a short speech. The couples then split up and the two Kings headed to the Aerospacelab in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve while the Queens attended the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo.

For lunch, the couples reunited to attended a water management themed luncheon. In the afternoon, they visited BioPark Charleroi and walked around in the city to meet with its inhabitants. At the local school, they revealed a comic wall made by Dutch and Belgian artists.

In the evening, King Willem Alexander and Máxima offer their hosts a concert by the Amsterdam Sinfonietta.

On the third day of the State Visit, the couples visited Imec in Leuven, where they learned all about chip technology. They then headed to Antwerp for a walkabout and a meeting with the Mayor of Antwerp, Bart de Wever.

In Antwerp, they also toured the Fine Arts Museum.

During lunch, they met with young people who shared their experiences of unemployment. After lunch, they toured the Harbour House and the Kings visited the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie, while the Queens visited the Dutch frigate Zr.Ms. De Ruyter.

Following this visit, a farewell ceremony was held, marking the end of the State Visit.

Afterwards, the King and Queen tweeted, “We cherish our friends because they give us support and strength. Friendship strengthens. It has been a great pleasure to be a guest in Belgium. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”