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Dutch royals chill out on official visit Down Under


October 29, 2006
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Dressed like any other tourists in casual summer clothes, the couple paid a visit to one of Australia's must-see sights, Ayers Rock. Escorted by an Aboriginal guide, Willem and Maxima - who is expecting their third child in April - were clearly fascinated by their tour of the stunning rocky outcrop which is sacred to Australia's native people.

While more formal attire was called for when they attended an official state banquet in Government House later that evening, the chilled approach continued on a visit to Sydney Opera House. The royal visitors dropped in on one of Australia's most famous landmarks with local politician Greg Hunt on Saturday afternoon.

Afterward they got to view the building's skyline from a rather different angle as they kicked back on the deck of The Durfken, a replica of the Dutch ship which first dropped anchor off the coast in 1606.

Photo: Rex
Maxima and Willem-Alexander listen intently as they are escorted around the sacred Aboriginal site of Ayers Rock with a local guide. The couple are on a two-week tour of Australia which marks the arrival on its shores of Dutch explorers 400 year ago
Photo: Getty Images
On a tour of Sydney Opera House the couple were showing the relaxed, laid-back approach which seems to have characterised their visit Down Under

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