It has to be an unforgetable and memorable visit, Queen Margrethe told Dutch journalists during a meeting at Fredensborg Slot some weeks ago. It is not often one gets a godson coming on a State Visit, and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands is Queen Margrethe's godson. ,,It is very special", the queen said.
So it comes as no surprise she chose Christiansborg Slot (palace) for the state banquet she offers on 17 March to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima who arrive that day for their State Visit, only the fourth in the King's young reign. Christiansborg Palace, which serves as the seat of government and parliament, also houses several state rooms which the queen only uses on special occasions. And this is one of those occasions.
The importance of the Dutch visit is is also apparent from the presence of the entire royal family at the banquet. Not only Queen Margrethe and her husband Prince-consort Henrik will be there, but also the Crown Princely couple, Frederik and Mary, and Prince Joachim and his wife Princess Marie. The Court also announced the presence of Princess Benedikte and husband Prince Richard and of Princess Margrethe’s cousin, Princess Elizabeth.
Princess Benedikte's a good friend of the Dutch royal family. She and her husband attended most major events, including the 2002 wedding of Prince Willem-Alexander and Máxima Zorreguieta.
© RB: Photos: © MPE Patrick van Katwijk
* The Danish Court earlier this week made a new logo and picture available ahead of the celebrations for the Queen's 75th birthday on April 17.
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