King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands will make their first visit to the US since the reigning monarch ascended the throne in 2013. The royal couple will be on tour from 1 to 3 June, the Dutch embassy has revealed.
During their three-day trip, Willem-Alexander and Máxima will make stops in Chicago, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Washington, D.C.
The king and queen are celebrating the strong economic, cultural and political ties between the Netherlands and the US.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKing Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands will travel to the US in June
"It's my pleasure to welcome the royal couple on their first visit to the US as king and queen," said Rudolf Bekink, the Dutch ambassador to the US. "Their visit underscores the strong friendship between our two countries."
Details of their trip are yet to be announced, but it is believed that Willem-Alexander, 47, and Máxima, 43, will attend a meeting with President Barack Obama. The couple most recently enjoyed the company of Mr Obama at the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in June 2014.
© Photo: Getty ImagesQueen Máxima and President Barack Obama most recently met in France last June
It has also been reported that the monarchs – who will most likely leave their three daughters Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane at home – will plant a tree at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.
The Midwestern city is eagerly awaiting their arrival, with Paule Heule, honorary Dutch consul for West Michigan saying: "We are honoured and excited to be able to welcome His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to West Michigan.
"West Michigan was chosen not only because of our strong Dutch heritage but because of our ongoing business and cultural ties. We are emphasizing to the people of the Netherlands not only our rich heritage but also the great human and economic resources West Michigan has to offer to strengthen the global ties between our two countries."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Dutch royal couple are parents to Princesses Ariane, Alexia and Catharina-Amalia
According to the Dutch embassy, the US and Dutch economic relationship supports 685,000 American jobs, while the Netherlands is among the top five investors in the US economy. The European country is also the number one destination for American foreign investments.
Willem-Alexander became king on 30 April 2013, after his mother Princess Beatrix abdicated.
