On January 8, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands began their state visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In the morning, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix along with the prince and princess were officially welcomed to the U.A.E. by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Mushrif Palace. Also, in attendance were Dutch Foreign Minister, Uriel Rosenthal, as well as local and Dutch dignitaries.
During the welcoming meeting between Her Majesty and His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan gifts were exchanged. The Queen presented His Highness with the most highest and prestigious honours in the Kingdom of Netherlands “…Grand Cross of the Dutch Lion…” In return, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa presented Her Majesty with the “…Order of Zayed, one of the United Arab Emirates’ highest civil decorations accorded to kings and heads of state…” The Order was also given to T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima.
Later, the royal trio visited the Sheikh Al Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. During their visit they toured the library as well as resting place of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Afterward, the Queen, the prince and princess along with the Dutch business delegation accompanying the royal trio visited the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Upon their arrival they were met by the director of ADNOC, Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi and numerous CEO’s. From there the royal trio were given a tour of the facility and more.
To watch several videos as well as to view photos from today’s event please click the link below:
Sources: Associated Press, WAM, Khaleej Times
Photo courtesy of Daylife/R.Utrecht/AFP
Only Queen Bea would put the head scarf over her huge hat! She makes me smile.