Queen Maxima gives advice on learning Dutch

Queen Maxima has given advice to those who are trying to learn Dutch.

The Queen visited the Taal aan Zee Foundation in The Hague, which teaches Dutch to non-native speakers, refugees and asylum speakers.

Maxima, born and raised in Argentina, was once in the same shoes as the students. She had to learn Dutch upon getting engaged to Willem-Alexander. At the time, the Queen was fluent in her native Spanish and English and conversational in French.

She told them to take constructive criticism while learning Dutch, “Otherwise you will keep making the same mistake.”

Queen Maxima stressed that it takes hard work, the importance of watching Dutch television, and being brave enough to talk in Dutch with others.

Maxima impressed the Dutch people during her engagement interview back in 2001 when she gave most of her interview in Dutch.

The Queen has also spoken in the past about learning the Dutch language. She began taking Dutch lessons while living in New York and dating Willem-Alexander. She also travelled around the Netherlands to learn about the country with a friend and solo.

Queen Maxima is now fluent in Dutch, as her third language.