Incoming state visits

An incoming state visit is a visit to the Netherlands by a foreign head of state. Following his or her investiture, a new monarch starts by visiting the country of a head of state of longer standing. Like an incoming visit, an outward state visit includes a number of set elements, some of which the King attends, as do other members of the Royal House if their diary permits.

Incoming state visits to King Willem-Alexander

Incoming state visit programme

On the first day of an incoming state visit, the visiting head of state is usually welcomed with military ceremonial in Amsterdam. He or she inspects the guard of honour, lays a wreath at the National Monument in Dam Square and pays a visit to the mayor of Amsterdam. In the evening, the King hosts a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, at which both heads of state deliver a speech.

On the second day of the state visit, the visiting head of state has a short private meeting with the Dutch prime minister in The Hague. The prime minister also hosts a government lunch. The visiting head of state can then meet his or her compatriots living in the Netherlands, at a reception organised by their country’s embassy. In the evening the visiting head of state hosts some form of return hospitality, traditionally another state banquet but nowadays often a cultural event or performance.

On the third day the head of state often sees some characteristic economic or cultural aspect of the Netherlands.

The guests generally stay in the Royal Palace, Amsterdam. The Order of the Lion of the Netherlands is usually conferred on a visiting head of state, while his or her spouse is usually made a Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of the House of Orange. The insignia of the orders are presented and gifts exchanged before the state banquet.

State banquet

A state banquet forms part of every state visit. Official photographs are taken before the banquet. The heads of state and the guests wear evening dress: the gentlemen black tie and the ladies an evening dress.

The visiting head of state sits on the monarch’s right, with other family members and the most distinguished guests at the same table. Both heads of state deliver a speech at the beginning of the banquet.