Health care and Prince Willem-Alexander’s possible support for Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics were topics during an impromptu meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and the Dutch Crown Prince.
Willem-Alexander and his wife Princess Máxima were invited to the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama, Friday afternoon. President Obama joined them during the private meeting, and asked the Prince to explain the Dutch health system in brief, Willem-Alexander told Dutch reporters on Sunday.
One of the ‘more controversial’ topics was Obama’s question whether the Prince, who is member of the International Olympic Committee, would support Chicago at next month’s selection of a 2016 host city for the Summer Olympics at a IOC-meeting in Copenhagen. Michelle Obama will travel to Denmark to support Chicago’s cause.
Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima wrapped up their one week stay in New York on Sunday, at the end of a week of activities to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Dutch in New York harbor in 1609.
From the Dutch frigate Hr Ms Tromp the Prince took the salute as naval and other ships passed by during New York’s Harbor Day.
Friday the royal couple attended the presentation of the Four Freedom Awards, to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. On Saturday they took part in Dutch themed festivities on Governor's Island, including a performance by DJ Armin van Buuren.
© RB; Photos by © Monarchy Press Europe, Patrick van Katwijk
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