PHILADELPHIA – King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have officially begun their working visit to the United States, with the opening program taking place in the historic city of Philadelphia.
The visit started with a ceremony emphasizing the long-standing relationship between the Netherlands and the United States. In his speech, the King reflected on the historic moment in 1776 when the United States declared independence and highlighted the role of Sint Eustatius, where Fort Oranje fired the first official salute recognizing the new nation.
According to the King, the relationship between both countries is rooted in shared values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights. He also pointed to strong economic ties, noting that the Netherlands remains one of the largest foreign investors in the United States.
Beyond historical and economic connections, the visit is also focused on future cooperation in areas such as innovation, sustainability, and economic development.
Curaçao was also part of the program, with attention given to the island’s historic participation in the upcoming World Cup. The presence of Curaçao on the global football stage was highlighted as a point of pride within the Kingdom.
Sithree van Heydoorn attended the opening events, representing Curaçao. He is expected to be joined by Roderick Middelhof for the next phase of the visit in Miami.
The royal couple’s program will continue in Miami, where economic cooperation and regional partnerships will be further discussed.
As part of the visit, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are scheduled to stay at the White House, underscoring the high-level diplomatic nature of the trip.