On Wednesday, the three-day state visit of the Japanese imperial couple to the Netherlands officially began. King Willem-Alexander (59) and Queen Máxima (55) welcomed Emperor Naruhito (66) and Empress Masako (62) in Amsterdam at Dam Square in the city center. The guests also laid a wreath at the National Monument there, as an Instagram clip from the Dutch palace shows.
This program awaits the royals
On Wednesday, the imperial couple can view an exhibition featuring artworks from the royal collections that demonstrate the close historical connection between Japan and the Netherlands in the Throne Room. Naruhito and Willem-Alexander are also visiting the Deltares research institute in Delft, which focuses on flood and water safety. The day ends with a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.
Thursday takes the delegations to The Hague. There, the schedule begins with a visit to Parliament with meetings in the Senate and the House of Representatives. After lunch at the Mauritshuis, appointments follow at the Peace Palace and at Leiden University. Topics there include historical collections, the university itself, as well as conversations with students. In the evening, the visit continues to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
On Friday, the delegations will first visit the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht. The conclusion of the state visit will be an appointment at the Amsterdamse Bos, where Emperor Naruhito will plant a cherry tree - as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the Netherlands.
They watch the World Cup match of their countries together
The Japanese and Dutch royals already met before the official start of the state visit. Together they watched the World Cup match between Japan and the Netherlands on Sunday. In an Instagram post from the Japanese Imperial Household, the royals can be seen side by side wearing scarves of their respective teams. The match ultimately ended in a 2:2 tie.
