King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands invited Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain to a sumptuous state banquet at the royal palace in Amsterdam on April 17, 2024. On this occasion, the sovereigns recalled the strong ties that unite their country and their family in surprisingly personal speeches!
It took two months for the chefs at the royal palace in Amsterdam to design the perfect menu: crab cocktail with asparagus with parmesan mousse and lobster vinaigrette, gnocchi with basil and oxtail, lamb fillet with herbs accompanied by a pan-fried polenta with roasted eggplant and vegetables and, to finish, a caramel tartlet with spicy cream crumble and chocolate sauce. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands were themselves responsible for selecting the dishes for the state banquet given in honor of Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on April 17.
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As for the wines that accompany this refined and generous dinner, they all come from the royal cellar. From the Blossom Panache tableware adorned with Willem-Alexander’s golden monogram to the imposing bouquets of flowers placed on the white-covered tables, the Dutch sovereigns have planned everything to make this evening a memorable one. It must be said that this is the first time since Felipe’s accession to the throne ten years ago that the Spanish sovereign couple has made a two-day state visit to the Netherlands, recalls Hello!.
Before dinner begins, it is customary for hosts and their guests to meet the guests. A tradition from which Queen Letizia does not deviate despite her difficulties in standing due to her Morton’s neuroma reveals the Hispanic press agency EFE. This pathology causes pain in the feet, accentuated by wearing heeled shoes. The mother of Princesses Leonor and Sofia therefore preferred to greet the approximately 240 personalities, seated. Around 8:34 p.m., Willem-Alexander, Maxima, Felipe and Letizia finally take their seats at the main table.
In turn, the monarchs will speak, King Willem-Alexander first. “Spain holds a special place in our hearts. Firstly because it is in your country that we began to share our lives. We fell in love at the Feria de Abril in Seville, 25 years ago. The rest is history…” From the first sentences of his speech, he offers a touching statement, a more personal message than his usual formal speeches. It also evokes the privileged link that Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia maintains with the country of Cervantes. “A visit to Spain is always like a warm embrace. A feeling that our eldest daughter, the Princess of Orange, shares with us,” he reveals.
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“Last year, circumstances meant that she had to live in Madrid. From there, she was able to continue her studies at the University of Amsterdam.” If the 20-year-old girl had been photographed in Madrid on several occasions, the information had never yet been confirmed by the royal house. “All this has been made possible thanks to the loving dedication of many of his fellow citizens and Their Majesties. It is a touching demonstration of friendship in a difficult time. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Their Majesties and to everyone who collaborated in this effort.”
As for Felipe VI, his declaration remains more formal, recalling the historical, political and social aspects that link their two nations. He confides, however, that their “families are indeed very close and share many recent historical moments, whether of a personal or more official nature.” If Willem-Alexander placed more emphasis on the past, his cousin is resolutely turned towards the future. “In the same way, our parliamentary monarchies move forward together towards this future, hand in hand with two young women of their generation, Princess Amalia and Princess Leonor, deeply attached to their nation and its people.” Enough to bring a smile to the face of one of the main stakeholders who is attending, this evening and for the first time, a state dinner organized by her parents.
Princess Catharina-Amalia has also attracted much of the attention. In her flowing dress embellished with a navy blue cape, and adorned with the Peacock set set with rubies and diamonds, she shines. For the occasion, King Felipe presented him with the yellow and white cord of the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. Her mother, Queen Maxima, however, has nothing to envy of her eldest daughter: she opted for a long blue-gray dress designed by Jan Taminiau, her favorite Dutch designer. Finishing touch of her hairstyle, the spectacular Stuart tiara. Its central diamond, with a slight bluish tint, weighs no less than 39.75 carats!
Queen Letizia, for her part, opted for a royal blue toiletry from the Spanish brand The 2nd Skin Co. She especially sports one of the oldest jewels of the Spanish royal family, the queen’s pearl and diamond tiara Marie-Christine (1858-1929). Some say that it is a piece of jewelry made by the Cartier house, others by the Madrid jeweler Ansorena. In reality, no one knows for sure who created it. “Yet the delicacy of the work, the finesse of the settings indicate a jeweler of great talent,” assures Vincent Meylan, editor-in-chief of royalty and jewelry at Point of view.
Once the speeches are finished, it’s time for the toast. Despite the strict protocol of state banquets, the atmosphere is good-natured and the four sovereigns toast like old friends. Maxima’s smile would be almost contagious. Finally, dinner can begin. Felipe and Letizia will long remember their first time at their cousins’ house as king and queen!
