[Nicky91]

Her Majesty was speaking a state banquet in honour of the Dutch king and queen
Chose to emphasise qualities needed by UK and the Netherlands going forward
King Willem-Alexander also referred to Brexit during his speech at the dinner

The Queen has spoken publicly about Brexit for the first time, telling the King of the Netherlands that 'shared values' are what binds Britain to Europe as she 'looks to a new partnership'.

Speaking at a state banquet in honour of King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima, Her Majesty added that as 'innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future'.

The Queen, who remains impartial in political matters, chose to emphasise the qualities needed by the UK and one of its closet European neighbours going forward as UK politics continued to be deeply divided by the issue of Brexit.

Earlier, in a speech to both Houses of Parliament, King Willem-Alexander urged the UK Government to lift the 'shadow of uncertainty' hanging over Dutch nationals living in Britain after Brexit.

And in his address at the Buckingham Palace dinner, with Theresa May seated nearby, the foreign head of state said: '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.'

In contrast to the speeches, the royal women, who included Queen Maxima, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall, put on a dazzling display of royal tiaras during the white-tie dinner.

The Queen told Holland's head of state during her speech: 'I recall the state visit of your grandmother Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard in 1972, when I spoke of how our nations' close understanding and relationship would become increasingly important as a new configuration of Europe was emerging.

'As we look toward a new partnership with Europe, it is our shared values and commitment to each other, that are out greatest asset, and demonstrate that even through change, our enduring alliance
remains strong, and as innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future.'

In her speech, the Queen praised the close links between the UK and Holland which 'greatly contributes to the economic and cultural life of Britain'.

She added: 'The Netherlands are one of the United Kingdom's largest European investors. We have a thriving Dutch community, and artistic and sporting exchanges are at an all-time high'.

Willem-Alexander reiterated comments made before about regretting the UK's decision to leave the EU, but he respected the decision of the British people.

He went on to personally praise the Queen, highlighting her now famous appearance in the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, describing her as the 'most fearless Bond Girl ever' for her role alongside 007 played by Daniel Craig.

The foreign monarch said: '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 tribute to the close links between the British and Dutch royal families, Queen Maxima wore the famous tiara, from the Dutch royal collection, that featured the Stuart Diamond.

The large stone was originally bought in late 17th century by the British monarch William III, also Netherlands's Prince of Orange, for his wife Queen Mary II.

It returned to the Dutch monarchy after the pair died and was later incorporated into the tiara which was last worn, with the stone, in 1972 by King Willem-Alexander's grandmother Queen Juliana when she travelled to the UK for a state visit.

2018 marks the 330th anniversary of the Glorious Revolution, which saw William depose James II to become King alongside his English wife Mary.
Among the royal guests were the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, senior members of the Cabinet and leading figures from British and Dutch life.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who had met the Dutch king earlier in the day, was represented by shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry as he was believed to be attending a family event.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ch-royals.html

[Nicky91]

British nationals in the Netherlands and Dutch nationals who live in the UK, deserve special attention now the UK is leaving the EU, king Willem-Alexander said in a speech at the British parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

Brexit, the king said, ‘does not mean farewell.

Our close, historic relationship will continue, albeit on a different footing.’He referred to the trade, creative and investment ties between the two countries before going on to state: ‘One group deserves special attention: the 50,000 British nationals who live in the Netherlands, and the 150,000 Dutch nationals who live in the UK.

Many of them have lived and worked there for many years. They feel at home in their local community and their contribution to society is valued, whether as employees, colleagues, neighbours or volunteers.

‘Yet all these individuals now live under the shadow of uncertainty about their future status. I understand how difficult this is for them and I trust that this uncertainty will be resolved,’ Willem-Alexander said.

Earlier on Tuesday the king and queen Maxima met members of the Dutch community in London, partly to discuss their concerns about Brexit.

No agreement has yet been made about the rights of British nationals in the Netherlands and the Dutch in Britain after March 29 and many people are extremely worried about their future.

Last Friday Dutch foreign minister Stef Blok, who has accompanied the royals to London, said the Netherlands will ensure a ‘decent solution‘ for British citizens in the Netherlands if there is a no-deal Brexit.

‘We will not abandon these people,’ Blok said. ‘Even in a no-deal scenario we will make sure there is a decent solution so that British nationals can say in our country after March 30, 2019.’

https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2018/1...-living-in-nl/

[arista]

"The Queen, who remains impartial in political matters, chose to emphasise the qualities needed by the UK and one of its closet European neighbours going forward as UK politics continued to be deeply divided by the issue of Brexit."


Yes nothing new there
she has no Political power

[Maru]

She didn't really say anything political in my view? She didn't mention any particular policy, only Brexit by name (i.e. elephant in the room). She just says she has high expectations of Britain's capability to succeed... That's how I read it anyway.