Queen Máxima of The Netherlands joins royal families from around the world at Buckingham Palace for the ‘reception of the century’ on the eve of the Queen’s funeral
Queen Máxima of The Netherlands was the perfect stateswoman as she chatted with the world’s royals at a reception in London this evening.
Máxima, 51, who arrived at Buckingham Palace with her husband King Willem-Alexander, appeared deep in conversation with Emperor Naruhito of Japan.
Wearing a black blouse with a bow around the neck and a black skirt Máxima, who is known for dressing in bold colours, looked respectful in an outfit representing mourning on the eve of Her late Majesty the Queen’s funeral.’
Queen Máxima appeared deep in conversation with Japanese Emperor Naruhito as she walked into Buckingham Palace this evening
The Queen was dressed all in black to symbolise mourning as she walked behind her husband, Willem-Alexander
As royals and leaders from around the world descended on Buckingham Palace, the Argentine-born royal chatted to Emperor Naruhito, who rarely makes overseas appearances.
Máxima opted for a neutral hairstyle wearing her blonde locks down and in a straight style as she attended the ‘reception of the century’ in the royal residence hosted by King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla.
Walking ahead of his wife and the Japanese Emperor was King Willem-Alexander, who looked solemn and serious.
King Willem-Alexander, who was the first to RSVP to the Queen’s funeral, is the Queen’s fifth cousin once removed thanks to an ancient connection in their family tree.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima paid tribute to the Queen in a statement on the Dutch Royal Family’s official Instagram account (pictured: The Queen, centre, Queen Máxima, left, King Willem-Alexander, second from left, the new King Charles III, second from right, Queen Consort Camilla, right at Buckingham Palace in October 2018)
Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands attend a Ceremonial Welcome at the Horse Guards Parade in 2018
Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands pictured sharing a joke during the two-day visit of the Dutch royals to the UK in 2018
Willem-Alexander is a descendant of Princess Carolina of Orange-Nassau, who was the daughter of William IV, Prince of Orange, and his wife Anne, Princess Royal.
Following the death of Her Majesty the Queen on 8 September, the Dutch King and Queen led tributes from foreign royal families to the monarch,
Posting a statement on Instagram signed by Willem-Alexander, Máxima and their daughter, Beatrix, they commemorated the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
They wrote: ‘We remember Queen Elizabeth II with deep respect and great affection.
‘Steadfast and wise, she dedicated her long life to serving the British people. We feel a strong bond with the United Kingdom and its royal family, and we share their sorrow at this time.
‘We are very grateful for our countries’ close friendship, to which Queen Elizabeth made such an unforgettable contribution.’
The official account for the Dutch Royal Family posted photos of the Queen, King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla hosting Willem-Alexander and Máxima at Buckingham Palace on a state visit in October 2018.
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