State visit from the Netherlands

At the invitation of HM The King, Their Majesties The King and Queen of the Netherlands paid a state visit to Sweden on 11–13 October 2022.

The Royal Family with the Dutch King and Queen in the Guest Apartments at the Royal Palace.

The Royal Family with the Dutch King and Queen in the Guest Apartments at the Royal Palace. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Flags on Norrbro during the state visit from the Netherlands.

Flags on Norrbro during the state visit from the Netherlands. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

Welcoming ceremony

The state visit began with The Crown Princess Couple welcoming the Dutch King and Queen at Stockholm's Arlanda Airport.

The King and Queen of the Netherlands are welcomed to Sweden by The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel.

The King and Queen of the Netherlands are welcomed to Sweden by The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The Dutch guests were then received by The King and Queen at the Royal Stables, after which the Kings and Queens travelled by horse and carriage through the streets of Stockholm.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands with The King and Queen of Sweden and The Crown Princess Couple at the Royal Stables.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands with The King and Queen of Sweden and The Crown Princess Couple at the Royal Stables. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The two kings enter one of the Royal Stables' coaches before travelling to the Royal Palace.

The two kings enter one of the Royal Stables' coaches before travelling to the Royal Palace. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

Queen Silvia and Queen Máxima leave the Royal Stables.

Queen Silvia and Queen Máxima leave the Royal Stables. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The cortège en route towards the Royal Palace.

The cortège en route towards the Royal Palace. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

A traditional welcoming ceremony for the King and Queen of the Netherlands took place in the Inner Courtyard of the Royal Palace. The Kings then inspected a Grenadier Company from the Life Guard, and the national anthems were played. The Speaker of the Riksdag, the Deputy Speakers, the Prime Minister and ministers from the transitional government were also present to welcome the Dutch guests.

The ceremony began with the Swedish and Dutch national anthems being played.

The ceremony began with the Swedish and Dutch national anthems being played. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The Kings during the inspection in the Inner Courtyard.

The Kings during the inspection in the Inner Courtyard. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

Queen Silvia and Queen Máxima greet representatives of official Sweden.

Queen Silvia and Queen Máxima greet representatives of official Sweden. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

Many members of the public welcomed the Dutch King and Queen in the Inner Courtyard.

Many members of the public welcomed the Dutch King and Queen in the Inner Courtyard. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The state visit begins

A welcoming ceremony marked the beginning of a three-day state visit programme. The aim of the state visit was to strengthen and promote the excellent relations between Sweden and the Netherlands, which stretch back to the 17th century. The two countries are working together to make Europe greener, more resilient and stronger economically. The state visit focused on issues relating to green innovation, an inclusive energy transition and life sciences, maritime relations and gender equality.

The royal families of Sweden and the Netherlands are extremely close. The King, The Crown Princess and Princess Estelle have – or have had – godparents from the Dutch royal family. The families have met on many occasions during state visits and official visits, as well as during private gatherings.

State visit, 11–13 October

Tuesday 11 October

After the welcoming ceremony, the Dutch King and Queen were welcomed to Sweden in the Grand Guest Apartment at the Royal Palace by The Crown Princess, Prince Daniel, Princess Estelle, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.

Bodyguards at the Royal Palace.

Bodyguards at the Royal Palace. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Princess Estelle greets her godfather, the King of the Netherlands.

Princess Estelle greets her godfather, the King of the Netherlands. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Exchange of orders

During the state visit, orders were exchanged between the two royal families. The King of the Netherlands, who was named a Knight of the Seraphim as Prince of Orange in 1993, was awarded the Chain of the Royal Order of the Seraphim – a special honour. The Queen of the Netherlands was also made a foreign member of the Order of the Seraphim. The Queen has been a Knight Commander with Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Polar Star since 2009.

In connection with the state visit, the King of the Netherlands also awarded orders to the Swedish Royal Family. The Crown Princess was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Netherlands Lion, while Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia were all awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Crown.

In Queen Lovisa Ulrika's Dining Hall at the Royal Palace, The King of Sweden and the King of the Netherlands gave press statements in connection with the beginning of the state visit from Netherlands.

Dutch-Swedish cooperation spans more than four centuries, beginning in 1614, when our nations signed a treaty to join forces on defence, trade and maritime affairs. I am pleased that during this state visit, steps will be taken to further strengthen our partnership on defence and security, as well as on life science and sustainable transportation.”

HM The King

The King and Queen then hosted lunch for their guests at the Royal Palace.

The Vasa Museum

At the Vasa Museum, the Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands were given a tour of the Vasa ship.

The Kings and Queens were given a tour on board the warship Vasa.

The Kings and Queens were given a tour on board the warship Vasa. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The Kings and Queens during their tour of the Vasa Museum.

The Kings and Queens during their tour of the Vasa Museum. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

The visit concluded with representatives from the Netherlands returning a valuable ship's bell from the warship Sophia Albertina, which sank off the Dutch coast in 1781. The Netherlands and Sweden share a special relationship with the sea and naval history, with ports and shipping having laid the foundations for the countries' relations in a 1614 shipping treaty.

The Kings and Queens in front of the Vasa.

The Kings and Queens in front of the Vasa. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

The Kings and Queens during their tour of the Vasa Museum.

The Kings and Queens during their tour of the Vasa Museum. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Gala dinner at the Royal Palace

In the evening, The King and Queen hosted a gala dinner for the Dutch King and Queen. The dinner was served in Karl XI's Gallery in the State Apartments at the Royal Palace. The invited guests included the Dutch delegation, representatives of official Sweden and Swedes with a particular connection to the Netherlands.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands arrive for the gala dinner at the Royal Palace.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands arrive for the gala dinner at the Royal Palace. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

The Crown Princess Couple and The Prince Couple arrive for the gala dinner.

The Crown Princess Couple and The Prince Couple arrive for the gala dinner. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

Princess Christina, Mrs Magnuson with her husband, Tord Magnuson.

Princess Christina, Mrs Magnuson with her husband, Tord Magnuson. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson with her husband Richard Friberg, and leader of the Moderate Party Ulf Kristersson with his wife Birgitta Ed.

Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson with her husband Richard Friberg, and leader of the Moderate Party Ulf Kristersson with his wife Birgitta Ed. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

The Kings and Queens wait to welcome their guests in the Vita Havet Assembly Rooms.

The Kings and Queens wait to welcome their guests in the Vita Havet Assembly Rooms. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The table is laid in Karl XI's Gallery.

The table is laid in Karl XI's Gallery. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The table setting in Karl XI's Gallery.

The table setting in Karl XI's Gallery. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

The King accompanied Queen Máxima to the table.

The King accompanied Queen Máxima to the table. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

The Queen was accompanied to the table by King Willem-Alexander.

The Queen was accompanied to the table by King Willem-Alexander. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

Princess Sofia with Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra.

Princess Sofia with Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The Dutch Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren speaks with Prince Carl Philip.

The Dutch Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren speaks with Prince Carl Philip. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

During the dinner, The King gave a speech in which he said:

In times like these, close friendships and strong partnerships are more important than ever. Your Majesties: This state visit manifests the close bond between our countries, and lays the ground for further cooperation and progress. Once again, it is my great joy to extend to you a very warm welcome to Sweden.”

HM The King

The King gave a speech during the gala dinner in Karl XI's Gallery.

The King gave a speech during the gala dinner in Karl XI's Gallery. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The Inner Courtyard of the Royal Palace.

The Inner Courtyard of the Royal Palace. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/The Royal Court of Sweden

Wednesday 12 October

Round-table discussions on industry issues

The second day of the Dutch King and Queen's state visit to Sweden began with the Kings and Queens attending round-table industry discussions, addressing how to build a sustainable, resilient and economically stronger Europe. The focus was on the green energy transition, changing delivery chains and opportunities for closer cooperation. Government representatives and delegates from Dutch and Swedish industry organisations and businesses took part in the round-table discussions.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands with Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Robbert Dijkgraaf, Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs Anna Hallberg, Chairman of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise Jacob Wallenberg and Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Dutch employer association VNO-NCW.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands with Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Robbert Dijkgraaf, Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs Anna Hallberg, Chairman of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise Jacob Wallenberg and Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Dutch employer association VNO-NCW. Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands discuss green energy during the meeting at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands discuss green energy during the meeting at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm. Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT

Lunch at Stockholm City Hall

In keeping with tradition, the City of Stockholm hosted lunch at Stockholm City Hall. The Kings and Queens, The Crown Princess Couple and The Prince Couple were welcomed to Stockholm City Hall by Chair of the Municipal Council Cecilia Brinck and Finance Commissioner Anna König Jerlmyr. Lunch was then served in the Golden Hall.

The Kings and Queens at Riddarfjärden Bay near Stockholm City Hall.

The Kings and Queens at Riddarfjärden Bay near Stockholm City Hall. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The Queens were welcomed to Stockholm City Hall by flower girls.

The Queens were welcomed to Stockholm City Hall by flower girls. Photo: Henrik Wauge/SPA

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands were escorted to lunch by Finance Commissioner Anna König Jerlmyr and Vice Mayor for Social Affairs Jan Jönsson.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands were escorted to lunch by Finance Commissioner Anna König Jerlmyr and Vice Mayor for Social Affairs Jan Jönsson. Photo: Henric Wauge/SPA

Lunch was served in the Golden Hall.

Lunch was served in the Golden Hall. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

As is traditional, the Kings and Queens signed Stockholm City Hall's guest book after lunch.

As is traditional, the Kings and Queens signed Stockholm City Hall's guest book after lunch. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Värtan

In the afternoon, the Kings and Queens were given a demonstration of the electric hydrofoil Candela, which glides over the water. The vessel operates using battery power, and a larger model is expected to become part of clean public ferry transport in association with Region Stockholm from 2023 onwards.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands were given a test tour on board the hydrofoil Candela.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands were given a test tour on board the hydrofoil Candela. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT

The hydrofoil Candela is expected to become part of Stockholm's public transport.

The hydrofoil Candela is expected to become part of Stockholm's public transport. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT

The Kings and Queens then travelled from Värta Harbour to Stockholm Exergi and Värta Power Station. The company works to ensure access to heat, electricity, cooling and waste services for the Stockholm region.

Fabian Levihn, Head of R&D at Stockholm Exergi, described the company's operations to the Kings and Queens.

Fabian Levihn, Head of R&D at Stockholm Exergi, described the company's operations to the Kings and Queens. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

At Stockholm Exergi, the royal visitors learnt about the company's plans to build Europe's first large-scale negative emissions plant, which involves storing carbon dioxide instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. Stockholm's district heating will be produced using 100 percent renewable or recycled energy by 2030.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands with employees at Stockholm Exergi.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands with employees at Stockholm Exergi. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

SciLifeLab

At the Karolinska Institutet, the Kings and Queens visited SciLifeLab – the Science for Life Laboratory – in Solna. SciLifeLab is a Swedish national science centre for large-scale research within bioscience, medicine and the environment.

The Kings and Queens during their visit to SciLifeLab.

The Kings and Queens during their visit to SciLifeLab. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Reciprocal reception

In the evening, the Dutch King and Queen hosted a Tim Kliphuis Ensemble concert at Stockholm Concert Hall for their Swedish hosts and invited guests.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands arrive at Stockholm Concert Hall.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands arrive at Stockholm Concert Hall. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple arrive at Stockholm Concert Hall.

The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple arrive at Stockholm Concert Hall. Photo: Henric Wauge/SPA

The King and Queen, King Willem-Alexander and The Crown Princess during the concert in the Grünewald Hall.

The King and Queen, King Willem-Alexander and The Crown Princess during the concert in the Grünewald Hall. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

The King, Queen Máxima, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.

The King, Queen Máxima, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

Thursday 13 October

The third day of the Dutch state visit took place in Gothenburg. The day began with a visit to Lindholmen Science Park, an international business park with a focus on mobile internet, intelligent vehicles and transport systems, and modern media and design.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands were welcomed by CEO of Lindholmen Science Park Tord Hermansson, who showed the visitors a model of the city and its growth.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands were welcomed by CEO of Lindholmen Science Park Tord Hermansson, who showed the visitors a model of the city and its growth. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander tried virtual reality during their visit to Lindholmen Science Park.

Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander tried virtual reality during their visit to Lindholmen Science Park. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

The King and Queen speak with employees at Lindholmen Science Park.

The King and Queen speak with employees at Lindholmen Science Park. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

From Lindholmen, the Kings and Queens took the ferry Eloise to the official residence of County Governor of Västra Götaland Sten Tolgfors, who hosted lunch.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands on board the ferry Eloise.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands on board the ferry Eloise. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands arrive at Stenpiren on board the electric ferry Eloise.

The Kings and Queens of Sweden and the Netherlands arrive at Stenpiren on board the electric ferry Eloise. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

On arrival at Stenpiren, the Kings and Queens were welcomed with flowers and flags by members of the public.

On arrival at Stenpiren, the Kings and Queens were welcomed with flowers and flags by members of the public. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The Kings and Queens were welcomed to Stenpiren by members of the public with flowers and flags.

The Kings and Queens were welcomed to Stenpiren by members of the public with flowers and flags. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

In the afternoon, the Kings and Queens were given a presentation of the work carried out by the Port of Gothenburg to achieve greener shipping within the EU. The Port of Gothenburg is the Nordic region's largest harbour, with over 11,000 vessels from more than 140 destinations around the world calling each year.

The Kings and Queens are welcomed to the Volvo Trucks Experience Centre.

The Kings and Queens are welcomed to the Volvo Trucks Experience Centre. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Finally, the Kings and Queens visited Volvo AB where they were given a presentation of the group's green transition, which includes every aspect from production to end-product. The visit concluded with a practical demonstration of electric trucks and electric excavators.

Queen Máxima had the opportunity to try an electric excavator.

Queen Máxima had the opportunity to try an electric excavator. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

The King during the demonstration of Volvo's electric trucks.

The King during the demonstration of Volvo's electric trucks. Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Departure ceremony at Landvetter Airport

The state visit concluded with The King and Queen saying farewell to the Dutch King and Queen during a departure ceremony at Landvetter Airport.

The Kings of Sweden and the Netherlands during the departure ceremony at Gothenburg's Landvetter Airport.

The Kings of Sweden and the Netherlands during the departure ceremony at Gothenburg's Landvetter Airport. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima take their leave following their visit to Sweden.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima take their leave following their visit to Sweden. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

State visits

State visits are the highest form of visit between two countries, and take place at head of state level. In Sweden, it is therefore The King who invites dignitaries on state visits to Sweden and who carries out state visits abroad.

The previous state visit between the two countries took place in 1983, when The King and Queen visited Spain.

Read more about state visits

Historical images: Sweden and the Netherlands