Queen Beatrix and the Dutch Royal Family hosted King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain on their second State Visit to The Netherlands, on this day in 2001. The King and Queen were first received by Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard on a State Visit to The Netherlands in 1980, and welcomed Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus on a State Visit to Spain in 1985.
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The visit begun with a welcome ceremony from Queen Beatrix and the Prince of Orange at Valkenburg, followed by an official act at the Dam Square and a private lunch at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, where the Prince and his fiancée, Máxima Zorreguieta, were bestowed with the Order of Isabela la Católica.
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In the evening, a State Banquet hosted by Queen Beatrix (wearing the Wurrtemberg Ornate Pearl Tiara and the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Prince of Orange (in the Order of Isabela la Católica) in honour of King Juan Carlos (wearing the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Order of the Netherlands Lion) and Queen Sofia (in the Mellerio Shell Tiara, Pearl Earrings and Pearl Necklace and the Order of the Netherlands Lion) took place at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Also in attendance were the Queen’s sister, Princess Magriet (wearing the Pearl Button Tiara and the Order of Isabela la Católica), her husband, Pieter Vollenhoven ( in the Order of Isabela la Católica) and the future Princess of Orange, who was attending her first official Banquet. Máxima Zorreguieta was wearing the Dutch Aquamarine Parure and the Order of Isabela la Católica).
Following a series of events on the following days, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia hosted a Return Reception for Queen Beatrix, Prince Claus (who exceptionally decided to attend due to his friendship and respect to the Spanish monarchs), the Prince of Orange and his fiancée and other members of the Dutch Royal Family at The Hague’s Municipal Museum.
This article was written by assistant editor, David Rato, who runs the Spanish Royal Jewels account on Instagram!
