Royal forced to rush home and cut state visit short after ‘situation’ at home | Royal | News

0


King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands cut his planned visit to the Czech Republic short after his country’s government collapsed. The Royal House of the Netherlands announced that the King would be returning home early because of “the political situation that has arisen in the Netherlands,” but said his wife, Queen Máxima, would stay a second day.

The Dutch Queen will remain in the Czech Republic to carry out the second day of engagements solo, which includes a visit to the High Tech Campus Dolní Břežany, a community reception and a performance of the Dutch National Ballet at the Estates Theatre.

The statement issued by the Royal Household said: “After the resignation of a government, it is customary for the King to consult with his permanent advisers: the vice-president of the Council of State and the presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives.”

During the shortened visit to the Czech Republic, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were greeted by President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva Pavlová at the Presidential Palace in Prague. Queen Máxima looked beautiful in a white dress with laser-cut detailing across the necklace and a saucer-style hat, while the king wore a dark coloured suit.

The King and Queen were greeted with a ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour. During their visit, the Dutch royals attended a state banquet and gave President Pavel and his wife the Order of the Dutch Lion and the Order of the Royal Household.

In a statement posted to X on June 4, the president said the Netherlands was the Czech Republic’s “stable partner” and the country’s “largest foreign investor.”

The collapse of the Dutch government, was prompted by populist Geert Wilders’ withdrawal of his party from the ruling coalition, as reported in the New York Times.

The Times further reported he pulled his party known as the Party for Freedom (PVV), from the coalition “over a dispute about migration policy”.

On the afternoon of June 3, Netherlands prime minister, Dick Schoof, said he would give the government’s resignation to the King after PVV’s withdrawal.

The Prime Minister will see the oversee of he country in a “caretaker capacity” until new leaders are elected.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here