King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands were welcomed to the White House on Monday evening by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for dinner and an overnight stay.
The Dutch royals are undertaking a working visit to the United States rather than a formal state visit, with their itinerary spanning Philadelphia, Washington DC and Miami. "Thank you for having us," the King remarked upon arrival.
The Royal House of the Netherlands stated that transatlantic ties between the two nations "are important for security and prosperity" and that the trip aims to strengthen cooperation across multiple areas at federal and state levels.
The visit coincides with America's 250th anniversary of independence celebrations, providing an opportunity to reflect on longstanding historical connections between the two countries.
Royals stay overnight in White House after meeting Melania and Donald Trump
|GETTY
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten attended the dinner and subsequently shared details of the discussions on social media.
He wrote: "Our visit focused on the special and deeply rooted bond between the United States and the Netherlands. We talked about our strong trade relations and our security cooperation, including within NATO.
"Of course we also discussed the recent developments in and around Iran. It is important that we now work towards a sustainable solution and prevent the situation from escalating further. Russia's continuing aggression in Ukraine was also a key topic of discussion."
Mr Jetten characterised the three-course dinner as "open and constructive, where no one had to beat around the bush."
Melania Trump and Queen Maxima at the White House
|GETTY
However, he acknowledged that differences of opinion emerged but remained unresolved, telling De Telegraaf it was "too brief to convince each other."
The royal couple spent the night in the Lincoln Bedroom, one of the White House's most historic rooms, situated close to the presidential quarters.
The overnight invitation represented a reciprocal gesture from President Trump, who stayed at the Dutch royals' Huis ten Bosch Palace during the Nato summit in The Hague last June.
That earlier arrangement allowed for informal moments, including breakfast, creating space for frank discussions away from official agendas.
The Trumps greeting the Dutch King and Queen at the White House
|GETTY
The Dutch visit has proved divisive at home, with a recent poll showing 44 per cent of citizens opposed to the trip, roughly matching those who supported it.
Mr Jetten acknowledged that "many Dutch people feel uncomfortable" with the visit but maintained that "it is positive to maintain a dialogue in these times of tension."
Queen Máxima selected a burnt-orange gown from Claes Iversen with elegant draping and a cinched waist for the occasion, a colour choice that nodded to the Dutch national flag.
The First Lady opted for a sleeveless white Erdem dress featuring bold black floral appliqué, which she paired with Christian Louboutin slingbacks.
The Trumps posing with the Dutch King and Queen
|GETTY
The London-based designer's creation, from the Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, retails at approximately £4,000.
Both women were photographed on the red carpet at the White House entrance, flanked by ceremonial guards and national flags.
President Trump described his guests as "highly respected" during the welcome ceremony, while King Willem-Alexander remarked on the tulips in the garden.
The reception reportedly lasted longer than anticipated due to the US President's eagerness to converse with his visitors.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to arrive in the United States later this month for a State Visit.