Posted: 19:51, September 8, 2022 | Updated: 22:39, September 8, 2022
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death aged 96. Her Majesty died peacefully this afternoon at Balmoral, shortly after it was announced that she was “under medical observation” after doctors had become concerned for her health. Following her death, the King and Queen of the Netherlands and their daughter Princess Beatrix posted a statement on Instagram praising the monarch’s wisdom. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima paid tribute to the Queen in a statement on the official Dutch Royal Family Instagram account (pictured: The Queen, centre, Queen Máxima, left, King Willem-Alexander, second from left, the new King Charles III, second from right, Queen Consort Camilla, right at Buckingham Palace in October 2018) Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands attend a ceremonial welcome at the 2018 Horse Guards Parade The statement read: “We remember Queen Elizabeth II with deep respect and great affection. “Standing and wise, she devoted her long life to the service of the British people. We feel a strong bond with the United Kingdom and its royal family and share their grief at this time. “We are very grateful for the close friendship between our countries, to which Queen Elizabeth has made such an unforgettable contribution.” The official account of the Dutch Royal Family posted photos of the Queen, new King Charles III and new Queen Consort Camilla hosting Willem-Alexander and Maxima at Buckingham Palace on an official visit in October 2018. Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands are pictured sharing a joke during the Dutch royals’ two-day visit to the UK in 2018 The Queen walks through the halls of Buckingham Palace to attend a state banquet as she hosts Dutch Royals in 2018 The Swedish royal family paid tribute to the queen after her death was announced. In a statement also posted on the Royal Family’s official Instagram page, King Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus said: “My family and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of my beloved relative Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “The Queen has served her countries and the Commonwealth with extraordinary dedication and duty. “He was a constant presence, not only in British society but internationally. “She has always been dear to my family and a precious link in our shared family history. “We offer our deepest condolences to His Majesty’s family and their people.” Following an announcement earlier today that doctors were concerned about the Queen’s health, her children, including new King Charles III, traveled to Balmoral. Also traveling to the Royal Estate were Prince William and Prince Harry, who happens to be visiting the UK. The Duchess of Cambridge remained in Windsor to look after Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who have just started their new school, while the Duchess of Sussex also remained in London. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have pulled out of their appearance at the WellChild Awards in London this afternoon, with the ceremony expected to go ahead. Queen Máxima is currently visiting the US, where she was due to meet with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Mayor Steve Adler to discuss the close economic ties between the Netherlands and the US state. The Netherlands has been Texas’ closest educational partner in the EU.
