Iain
Courtier
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2004
- Messages
- 587
I notice Theresa May did her usual over the top curtsy to Queen Elizabeth and not even a nod of the head to King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima. She did the same with the Belgian royals.
Any sign of the Princess Royal, and the Countess of Wessex this evening ?
One of those formal photos of the State Banquet with The Queen; you can see William and Mabel in the background, and in another on the far left you can see – i think! – Sophie in a green dress.
Your Majesty,
My wife and I are delighted to be able to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom, and above all to find you in good health, as vigorous and engaged as ever.
I appreciate how special this occasion is.
My grandparents came here on a State Visit. My parents did too. Today it is our turn. And all within your long reign.
Last year you celebrated your Sapphire Jubilee. That is deeply impressive to someone who has yet to reach their Bronze Jubilee…
In recent decades, you have seen your country, Europe and the world change enormously. The world looks to you as a trusted beacon in the midst of upheaval.
Your ability to keep in touch with the times is striking. You even have an adventurous streak, as you showed six years ago at the opening of the Olympic Games.
In front of millions of viewers you played the role of the most fearless Bond Girl ever – with great panache!
Our countries are North Sea neighbours. The sea has made us natural allies; both outward-looking, both curious as to what lies beyond the horizon.
Sir William Temple, the famous English diplomat, who was ambassador in The Hague 350 years ago, called the Dutch 'the most obstinate lovers and defenders of their liberty’. It’s a trait we definitely share with the British.
A trait that has sometimes led to conflict between us, as competitors and rivals.
But much more often, it has brought us together and united us.
The Glorious Revolution of Mary and William is a good example. A peaceful change of government that bolstered the rights of Parliament.
Or take the bonds forged between us during the Second World War, and the unimaginable sacrifices British armed forces made for our freedom.
Or our current joint defence efforts, including the UK/NL Amphibious Force, which we will see in action tomorrow, in the heart of London. The days when our navies fought each other on the Thames are long past. These days, the Royal Marines and the Dutch Marine Corps are one team.
The United Kingdom has given the world so much. We owe much of our prosperity to the skill of British inventors, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.
Our culture has been enriched by the creativity of British artists, from Shakespeare to Monty Python and the Beatles. Today, global communication knows no borders, because English has become the world’s lingua franca.
Many Dutch people feel a great affection for this country.
The charms of the Fairest Isle extend to the other side of the Channel!
As Europeans it therefore saddens us that the United Kingdom has decided to leave the European Union.
We are sorry to see you go, although we fully respect your decision.
At present, a lot of attention is focused on the ‘technical’ side of Brexit. That’s understandable and necessary.
But in the midst of all that complexity we should not lose sight of the greater narrative that continues to bind us. The greater narrative of freedom, openness and cooperation. Of growth and a prosperity whose fruits are enjoyed by all.
Of strong, self-confident European countries that speak out on the world stage, and that together dare to make a stand against cynicism and abuse of power.
That is why we need each other. That is what unites us, time and again. And that is where our strength lies as natural allies.
Your Majesty,
We are most grateful that, by inviting us here, you have underlined the special bond between our Kingdoms. Now, more than ever, we must cherish that bond.
You and your family are dear to us, and with you, we delight in all of life’s joyous and festive occasions, including those among the younger generations. Let me close by wishing you and your family every future happiness.
I invite you to rise and join me in a toast.
Your Majesty, to your health and happiness and that of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. And to the friendship between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Speech of the king last night, starting with some warm words to the Queen & calling her the most fearless Bondgirl ever.
Text from: koninklijkhuis.nl & free to use.
https://www.royal-house.nl/document...ritain-and-northern-ireland-buckingham-palace
Here are some first photos:
** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** Pic 4 ** Pic 5 ** Pic 6 ** Pic 7 ** Pic 8 ** ppe gallery **
And here are two galleries for the whole second day:
** gettyimages gallery - day 2 ** rex gallery - day 2 ** anp gallery - day 2 **
I am also disappointed there is no video of the state banquet ( procession, speeches and anthems). That is quite unusual.
Speech of the king last night, starting with some warm words to the Queen & calling her the most fearless Bondgirl ever.
Text from: koninklijkhuis.nl & free to use.
https://www.royal-house.nl/document...ritain-and-northern-ireland-buckingham-palace
And when neither the BBC, ITN, Sky or the Press Association bother to cover it, well, then the Royal Household has no live-link to put up at their social media channels either.Television-coverage of incoming state visits to the UK:
During visits from major countries such as the US (2003 & 2011), China (1999 & 2015), Japan (1998), Germany (1998), France (2008), Russia (2003) and Spain (2017): Full coverage of all events on BBC News Channel (launched in 1997) and Sky News (launched in 1989).
From smaller countries such as The Netherlands: With the exception of the state visit from Ireland in 2014 (due to the special history between the two countries), nothing at all. - So, thank god for The ITN Royal Family Channel.
I just realized the Princess Anne was actually there as well. You can see her at about 9:09 some seats down the right side table. She's wearing the Greek key tiara. I assume that she wasn't seen in the prossession because she had to walk down the other side of the room to reach her seat. Sophie Wessex can be seen at about 13:05.
And when neither the BBC, ITN, Sky or the Press Association bother to cover it, well, then the Royal Household has no live-link to put up at their social media channels either.
But Dutch media covered it (although not live) and had set up a screen inside BP, where royal reporters could see it live (click here to see photo).
HMQ is [justifiably] 'old school' and not subject to the ever changing vagaries of 'Political Correctness'...
That's interesting, Royal Norway.
Wonder why?
Because they are busy covering the more "sexy" younger members of the BRF? I.e. H&M and W&K?
Because the networks believe the British public are not interested in foreign royals?
Or is there a good deal of Brexit-considerations in it? I.e. everything from Continental Europe is "bad" these days? - Which would be interesting considering the close ties between the Netherlands and Britain and that Britain need every friend within the EU they have.
After all this involves the head of state and most of the senior BRF members. And last I checked QEII is still pretty popular in the general public.
So, admittedly I'm a little surprised.
My goodness, left already... Didn´t they just arrive....?!
That´s what I call a whirlwind state visit.
Apart from State visits from major overseas countries (USA, France, China) the coverage isn't that fab anyway but I suspect had ALL the royal correspondents not been with Harry and Meghan this state visit, like the Spanish one, would have received more attention.
No one in the UK from what I can see/hear things badly of the Dutch, in fact most people recognise that the government is shoring up support and ties with EU countries with a state of recent European focussed state visits and that is good for all involved.
Lovely to see Max and WA visit UK and QEII.