Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima visited Sydney from 2 to 3 November 2016 as part of their State Visit to Australia.

The Royal Couple spent two days in Perth, before flying to Canberra to meet with Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial and visited the MH17 Memorial.

The Sydney Opera House turned orange in honour of the royal visit on Wednesday, 2 November, when the Royal Couple hosted a concert to thank their Australian hosts, especially Governor-General Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove, for their hospitality during their state visit.

The University of Sydney © Carolyn M Cash

We caught up with two of four official engagements on Thursday, 3 November, on a beautiful warm sunny day.

New Holland Scholarship Programme

After meeting with Governor David Hurley, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima visited the University of Sydney for their next official engagement in Sydney.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima arrive at Sydney University © Carolyn M Cash

Chancellor Ms Belinda Hutchinson AM, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Duncan Ivison welcomed the Royal Couple upon arrival, as they made their way through the Great Hall to the Main Quadrangle.

Their Majesties posed for photos with Sydney University’s research showcase students, exchange students, Sydney University’s Professor Frans Verstraeten and Professor Marc in Het Panhuis from Wollongong.

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders © Carolyn M Cash
Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders © Carolyn M Cash

The Chancellor and Vice-Chancellors accompanied King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima as they inspected research showcases from Dutch-Australian students from the University of Sydney, the University of NSW and the University of Wollongong.

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders officially launched the New Holland Scholarship Australia (NHS-Australia), after a Welcome to Country and addresses from the hosts.

The Netherlands government, with cooperation with the Dutch Consulate, has initiated and financed the NHS-Australia,

Australian Republican Movement Chair Peter FitzSimons sans red bandana © Carolyn M Cash

The scholarship offers Australian students the opportunity to study in the Netherlands for a short period, and to be part of long-standing historic ties between the two countries since Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog first set foot on Australian soil in 1616.

The King and the Queen also met with students from local universities, including ones who have studied in the Netherlands and Dutch students studying in Australia.

Of course, no royal visit would not be complete with the appearance of the occasional republic supporter.

Australian Republican Movement (ARM) Chairman Peter FitzSimons arrived prior to the launch, quickly removing his trademark red bandana, after stepping out of the car.

Mr FitzSimons, a former graduate, is also a current member of the University of Sydney Senate as a Pro-Chancellor.

Farm 2 Fork Summit on Cockatoo Island

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima enjoyed a cruise aboard a ferry, appropriately named Alexander, from the Man O’War steps at the Sydney Opera House, passing under the iconic Harbour Bridge, to Cockatoo Island.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima on Sydney Harbour © Carolyn M Cash
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima on Sydney Harbour © Carolyn M Cash

The Royal Couple attended the Rabobank Farm 2 Fork Summit where they attended a meeting on innovations in the production of agricultural and horticultural products.

Nine-year-old Hope Hewa presented King Willem-Alexander with an Akubra cattleman’s hat which he wore whilst giving his speech.

Read King Willem-Alexander’s Speech at the Summit.

King Willem-Alexander © Carolyn M Cash

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima also met members of the Dutch trade delegation.

Their Majesties were also given a tour of Foodbytes, showcasing new concepts in food production and were introduced to Elena Duggan, the 2016 MasterChef winner.

Cockatoo Island © Carolyn M Cash

Afterwards, the Royal Couple met members of the Australian-Dutch community living in Sydney at Luna Park.

See more photos of the Dutch Royal Visit on Instagram.

Hashtags: #NLAUS #NLstatevisitAUS

Your comments are welcome. (Please note no offensive, abusive language and no spam. Those ones will be deleted.)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.