King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are headed to the US for a state visit, with planned stops in major cities like Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Miami. The trip is scheduled from April 13 to 15 and was confirmed by the Dutch Royal House.
The visit will focus on strengthening economic ties and highlighting the long-standing relationship between the Netherlands and the U.S. It has already become a source of media attention, especially over an expected meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. Dutch local media outlets have jokingly dubbed the potential encounter a “pajama party.”
During their time in Washington, the royal couple is expected to attend a dinner hosted by Trump, although official details remain under wraps. The pair will be joined by the Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, along with other senior government officials.
© Kevin DietschTheir itinerary features different officials who will be joining them. In Philadelphia, they’ll be accompanied by their Foreign Minister, Tom Berendsen, while in Miami, they will attend various events alongside their Trade and Development Minister, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma.
Beyond the headlines, the trip appears to be firmly business-focused, with the royals and representatives from the Netherlands hoping to strengthen the existing economic partnerships with the states of Pennsylvania and Florida. They will also be celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence and the historic ties between the two nations, which date back many decades.
A viral past moment with Trump
© ShutterstockThe upcoming visit comes nearly a year after the Dutch royals last crossed paths with Trump during the NATO summit in The Hague.
At the time, the couple welcomed world leaders at Huis Ten Bosch Palace. During the meeting between Maxima, Willem, and Trump, a lighthearted and strangely hilarious moment went viral. While Trump posed and smiled for photos, he cracked some jokes, sparking laughter from the people in the room. But it was Queen Máxima who was immortalized in meme format, with her being captured on camera appearing to mimic one of Trump’s signature facial expressions.
A notable absence
© Patrick van KatwijkWhile Princess Catherina-Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne, has become a frequent sight at important state visits and events, she’s unlikely to join her parents on this trip.
Although she attended a high-profile NATO dinner last year, as of this writing, there’s no indication that she’ll travel to the U.S. The likely reason is her ongoing military training, which she’s pursuing voluntarily alongside her law studies. Catherina-Amalia has already completed a degree in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics.
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