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LONDON (Reuters) – King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has stressed the "shadow of uncertainty" hanging over Dutch nationals living in Britain because of Brexit in a speech to parliament British Tuesday during a two-day state visit.
The Queen of Great Britain and Prince Charles, as well as King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrive at Buckingham Palace in London on October 23, 2018. REUTERS / Peter Nicholls
The King held a speech in front of parliamentarians and diplomats in one of the most prestigious halls of Parliament to express his regret at Britain's decision to leave the European Union next year.
"We are really saddened to see a close partner leave. But of course, we respect the choice of your country, "he said.
Concluding an agreement and predicting the consequences of Brexit is an extremely complex task, he said, adding that the 150,000 Dutch living in Britain and 50,000 Britons in the Netherlands deserved special attention.
"Many of them have been living and working here for many years. They feel at home in their local community and their contribution to society is valued, "he said.
"Yet these people are now living in the shadow of uncertainty about their future status. I understand how difficult it is for them and I am confident that this uncertainty will be resolved. "
A little earlier, the King and Queen Maxima had been officially welcomed by Queen Elizabeth with a guard of honor, before taking a public procession along the Mall in London for lunch at Buckingham Palace.
Members of the royal family also visited the tombs of William III and Mary II of England, the Anglo-Dutch couple who ruled Britain at the end of the 17th century, and also had to lay a wreath at the soldier's shrine. unknown in Westminster. Abbey.
After his speech to Parliament, the King was to have afternoon tea with Elizabeth's heir, Charles, in his official residence of Clarence House.
Elizabeth then hosted the Dutch Royal Family at a banquet celebrating the first official visit of the Dutch monarchy to the UK for 36 years.
Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus traveled to Britain in 1982, while Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, paid an official visit to Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands in 1958. .
Report of William James and Alistair Smout; edited by Stephen Addison
