America get ready because more royals are arriving! King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands are set tovisit the United States for their first official tour of the country. Duringtheir three day trip on June 1 - 3, the royal couple will visit Chicago, Grand Rapids,Michigan and Washington, D.C.
“It’s my pleasure to welcome the Royal Couple ontheir first visit to the U.S. as King and Queen," said Rudolf Bekink, theDutch ambassador to the U.S. "Their visit underscores the strong friendshipbetween our two countries."
Some details of their visit have been releasedincluding a stop in Grand Rapids, where the city is anxiously awaiting theirarrival. "We are honored and excited to be able to welcomehis Majesty King Willem-Alexander and her Majesty Queen Máxima of theNetherlands to West Michigan," said Paule Heule, honorary Dutch Consul forWest Michigan. "West Michigan was chosen not only because of our strongDutch heritage but because of our ongoing business and cultural ties. We are emphasizingto the people of the Netherlands not only our rich heritage but also the greathuman and economic resources West Michigan has to offer to strengthen theglobal ties between our two countries."
Engagements in the Midwestern cityinclude a tree planting at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Theywill also be accompanied by a delegation representing 50 Netherland businesses. J.C. Huizenga is one entrepreneur who is looking forward to meetingthe King and Queen. He shared, "It's kind of a once in a lifetime thing."
The royal couple will also meetwith President Barack Obama, a meeting that will embody the400-year relationship and strong economic, culturaland political ties between the two countries. The Dutch and U.S. economicrelationship also supports 685,000 American jobs, according to the Dutchambassador to the U.S. This meeting comes just months after the President met with British royals Prince William, Prince Charles and Camilla.
This official visit marks the first time the royalcouple will travel to the United States as King and Queen. Willem-Alexander succeeded his mother, Queen Beatrix, to becomeKing of the Netherlands in 2013.
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