What a whirlwind tour! Queen Maxima and KingWillem-Alexander of the Netherlands spent three days on a state visit toJapan and managed to fit in so much.
They’veattended banquets, hosted trade conferences, caught up with countless oldfriends and even met with a high-tech toilet maker who showed them his newestdesign.
Thecouple’s trip to Japan began on Wednesday, when the royal couplevisited a design museum and went to an investment meeting in a bid to encouragetrade between Japan and the Netherlands.
TheDutch royals visited the Imperial Palace where they met Emperor Akihito and hiswife Empress Michiko.
TheEmperor’s daughter-in-law Princess Masako, wife of his son Crown PrinceNaruhito, turned out for the event which caused headlines. Masako has sufferedfrom a stress-induced nervous condition that resulted in the 50-year-old living largely as arecluse andher attendance was a signal of her improving health and her closeness to theDutch royals.
Thefamilies have been friendly for years and Willem-Alexander's mother, formerly QueenBeatrix, was believed to be particularly sympathetic to the Japanese princess’condition as her late husband Prince Claus suffered with depression.
Onthe trip the royal couple also watched a ceremonial guard display, visited an oriental garden, and attended a lavish banquet.
QueenMaxima, known for her stylish wardrobe, didn’t disappoint in Japan, wowingonlookers with her glamorous outfits. These included a striking silver grey dress with voluminous sleeves, a gold sequin-encrusted gown, a emerald green peplum dress, and a standout Fifties-style dress in burnt orange — the Dutch national color.