King Willem-Alexander Recalls Meet-Cute with Wife Queen Maxima in Seville During Spain State Banquet (2024)

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands had an extra special reason to celebrate Spain's state visit: it was the country where they first met!

The King of the Netherlands, 56, recalled the meet-cute with his future wife in his remarks during the diplomatic dinner at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam on April 17. The glam banquet was held on the first night of King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s two-day stay in the Netherlands.

"Spain has a special place in our hearts. First of all, because it was in your country that our life together began. We were at the Feria de Abril in Seville 25 years ago. The sparks began to fly. The rest is history," King Willem-Alexander said, prompting a big smile from Queen Maxima, 52, as well as laughs from King Felipe, 56, and Queen Letizia, 51.

The Dutch royal met the Argentinian-born Maxima Zorreguieta at the spring fair in April 1999, where the future monarch introduced himself simply as "Alexander." Maxima, who then working in banking in New York, reportedly didn’t believe him when he later revealed his royal identity.

King Willem-Alexander Recalls Meet-Cute with Wife Queen Maxima in Seville During Spain State Banquet (1)

Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands Sparkles in Repeat Tiara at Her First State Banquet

The two began dating, announced their engagement in March 2001 and tied the knot in Amsterdam in February 2002.

The couple went on to welcome three daughters —Princess Catharina-Amalia, 20, Princess Alexia, 18, and Princess Ariane, 17. Willem-Alexander acceded as King when his mother, the former queen Princess Beatrix, abdicated in 2013.

King Willem-Alexander Recalls Meet-Cute with Wife Queen Maxima in Seville During Spain State Banquet (2)

Future Queen of the Netherlands Princess Catharina-Amalia Is Set for a Major Royal First

Continuing his address at the state banquet, delivered in English, King Willem-Alexander mentioned how visits to Spain always felt "warm" for him and his wife, as well as their eldest daughter.

The monarch thanked King Felipe and Queen Letizia for their part in making it possible for Princess Amalia to safely study abroad in the country recently after security threats prevented her from continuing to live in student housing in Amsterdam.

"Last year, circumstances required her to live in Madrid. From there, she was able to continue her studies at the University of Amsterdam. This was made possible by the kind efforts of many of your compatriots and yourselves," the Dutch sovereign said. "A touching demonstration of friendship at a difficult time. I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to you and to everyone else who helped arrange this."

King Willem-Alexander Recalls Meet-Cute with Wife Queen Maxima in Seville During Spain State Banquet (3)

Princess Amalia joined her parents at the diplomatic dinner, which marked her first appearance at a state banquet. She shimmered in the Ruby Peacock Tiara — which might be her royal go-to, as she’s worn it twice before, both times to royal weddings. (But it wasn't the Princess of Orange's first public tiara wear — that came at Princess Ingrid Alexandraof Norway's 18th birthday gala in 2022, when she made her royal headpiece debut in the same tiara her mother wore at her wedding.)

Following King Willem-Alexander's address, King Felipe stood to give his speech, also in English, where he spoke about the special relationship between Spain and the Netherlands, including a shout-out to Princess Amalia and his 18-year-old daughter, heir to the Spanish throne Princess Leonor.

"We hope these days may contribute to reinforce even more deep bonds between two societies that look together towards a prosperous future. So do our parliamentary monarchies as we go together towards that future, hand-in-hand with two women of their generation, Princess Amalia and Princess Leonor," King Felipe said. "Deeply committed to their nation, and their people."

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King Felipe then invited guests to raise a glass and recapped how King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima met in Seville "25 years ago, around this particular time of year" at the "famous Feria de Abril," which brought wide smiles to their faces.

"We therefore toast to that personal and emotional connection to our country so it will always remain and flourish, as it has since then," the King of Spain concluded.

King Willem-Alexander Recalls Meet-Cute with Wife Queen Maxima in Seville During Spain State Banquet (4)

King Felipe and Queen Letizia's visit officially started earlier on April 17 with an official welcome at Dam Square in Amsterdam.

King Felipe and King Willem-Alexander went on an engagement together, learning how the Cruyff Foundationwas creating safe spaces for children to play sports like basketball, kickboxing and soccer.

King Willem-Alexander Recalls Meet-Cute with Wife Queen Maxima in Seville During Spain State Banquet (5)

King Willem-Alexander Recalls Meet-Cute with Wife Queen Maxima in Seville During Spain State Banquet (2024)

FAQs

How did Máxima and Willem meet? ›

She met the Dutch Crown prince at a party in the Spanish city of Sevilla and moved to Brussels less than a year later. In 2001 Máxima Zorreguieta officially became a Dutch citizen on her birthday. Princess Máxima and Prince Willem-Alexander married on 2 February 2002 at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam.

Why was Queen Máxima's father not at her wedding? ›

Máxima's parents were not present at the wedding; her father was told he could not attend due to his role as a cabinet minister during the National Reorganization Process, and her mother chose not to attend without her husband.

Who are the three Dutch princesses? ›

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have three daughters: Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane. Princess Amalia is the heir apparent to the Dutch throne. Just like other Dutch children, they go to a regular school.

Is there still a Dutch royal family? ›

Current members of the Royal House

King Willem-Alexander. Queen Máxima. Princess Beatrix. The Princess of Orange.

Why did Queen Máxima cry at her wedding? ›

This was in honour of her Argentinian origins and her parents who could not attend the wedding for controversial reasons. A very touching moment, Maxima got extremely emotional and was seen wiping away tears whilst the music was playing.

Has Queen Maxima lost weight? ›

Dieticians spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk to explain how she achieved such impressive weight loss. Queen Maxima of The Netherlands visited Italy for Milan Design Week in April and showed off her slim figure.

Was Queen Elizabeth's father at her wedding? ›

8. Together with her father, George VI, Princess Elizabeth arrived at the Abbey in the Irish State Coach.

Who did Queen Máxima marry? ›

Queen Máxima is married to King Willem-Alexander. The royal couple have three daughters, Princess Catharina-Amalia (the Princess of Orange), Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane.

Who was the Queen of the Netherlands? ›

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix was Queen of the Netherlands for 33 years, from 1980 to 2013. On 30 April 2013, she was succeeded by her eldest son, King Willem-Alexander. Princess Beatrix was married to Prince Claus of the Netherlands.

Why are Dutch people the tallest? ›

ABSTRACT. The Dutch have a remarkable history when it comes to height. From being one of the shortest European populations in the 19th Century, the Dutch grew some 20 cm and are currently the tallest population in the world. Wealth, hygiene, and diet are well-established contributors to this major increase in height.

Who is the 17 year old Dutch Princess? ›

Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange.

What princess is orange? ›

Since the investiture of her father as King on 30 April 2013, Princess Catharina-Amalia has borne the title Princess of Orange. This title can only be held by the heir to the throne and is used without a first name.

Do the Dutch like their king? ›

King Willem-Alexander's approval ratings have decreased significantly over the past years, to the extent that in 2023 less than half of the population was either satisfied or very satisfied with his rule as King of the Dutch Kingdom. In comparison, Queen Máxima is significantly more popular.

Is the USA a friend of the Netherlands? ›

With centuries of close partnership and interaction to build on, the United States relies upon its historic ties with the Netherlands to advance U.S. and mutual interests and confront global challenges. The strong U.S.-Netherlands relationship is based on close historical and cultural ties and shared values.

What religion is the Dutch royal family? ›

Calvinism is the traditional faith of the Dutch royal family – a remnant of the church's historical dominance. The Bible Belt (De Bijbelgordel in Dutch) is the name given to a strip of land in the Netherlands, after the Bible Belt of the United States.

Who was the Queen of the Netherlands during WWII? ›

Image: Paleis Het Loo Nationaal Museum Queen Wilhelmina, 1898. Queen Wilhelmina then reigned for 50 years, through two world wars and the decolonisation of Indonesia. She and her ministers spent the years from 1940 to 1945 in exile in London.

Who is the Dutch royal family maxima? ›

Queen Máxima is married to King Willem-Alexander. The royal couple have three daughters, Princess Catharina-Amalia (the Princess of Orange), Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane.

When did Maxima get married? ›

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima were married in Amsterdam on Saturday 2 February 2002. Image: RVD / Graciela Rossetto The Hague, 30 March 2001: Prince Willem-Alexander and Máxima Zorreguieta at the announcement of their engagement.

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