Queen talks Brexit for first time at dazzling state banquet for Dutch royals
The Duchess of Cambridge wears a tiara that belonged to Princess Diana as the monarch hosts the Dutch royals.
Wednesday 24 October 2018 11:29, UK
The Queen has spoken publicly about Brexit for the first time, saying she is looking toward to a "new partnership with Europe".
Speaking at a state banquet for the king and queen of the Netherlands, she said as "innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future".
The royals, including the Netherlands' Queen Maxima, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall, put on a dazzling display of tiaras at the white-tie dinner at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen, who remains impartial on political matters, told the royals: "As we look toward a new partnership with Europe, it is our shared values and commitment to each other that are out greatest asset, and demonstrate that even through change, our enduring alliance remains strong, and as innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future."
In an earlier speech at the Houses of Parliament, King Willem-Alexander urged the government to lift the "shadow of uncertainty" hanging over Dutch nationals living in Britain after Brexit.
He said: "At present, a lot of attention is focused on the technical side of Brexit. That's understandable and necessary.
"But in the midst of all that complexity we should not lose sight of the greater narrative that continues to bind us".
Prince William and other senior royals were at the dinner to mark the start of the two-day state visit.
Among the 150 guests were Prince Charles, Theresa May, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Princess Mabel - the widow of the Dutch king's brother Prince Friso, who died in a skiing accident in 2013.
Kate, 36, wore a diamond and pearl tiara that once belonged to Princess Diana.
She previously wore the piece, named the Cambridge Lover's Knot, at the Spanish state banquet last year.
In tribute to the close links between the two royal families, Queen Maxima wore a famous tiara featuring the Stuart Diamond from the Dutch royal collection.
The large stone was originally bought in the late 17th century by British king William II, also the Netherlands' Prince of Orange, for his wife Queen Mary II.