Queen Maxima of the Netherlands cut a stylish figure today in a sombre all black ensemble as she and her husband King Willem-Alexander attended a World War II memorial – in a rare public appearance during lockdown.
The royal couple, who have isolated themselves after their annual trip to Austria, both donned all black in a mark of respect for their visit to the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam.
They followed strict social distancing and were not met by an audience as part of the nation’s efforts to halt the spread of coronavirus, which has already claimed the lives of 5,082 people in the Netherlands.
The country imposed less stringent lockdown measures than other European regions in March.
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (pictured) attended a World War II memorial event today in Amsterdam
The royals (pictured) laid a wreath during the National Remembrance Day, at Dam Square in Amsterdam
Queen Maxima, 48, (pictured) appeared in good spirits as she waved at the few representatives that attended the memorial
Mother-of-three Maxima appeared in good spirits as she waved at the few representatives that joined the Remembrance Day commemoration.
The 48-year-old donned an ankle-grazing black skirt with a matching top cinched at the waist with a belt, paired with a wide brimmed trilby hat and a shawl.
Maxima swept her hair into a stylish low bun, accessorised with a pair of dazzling diamond studs, and drew attention to her eyes with bold black eyeliner.
King Willem-Alexander, 53, appeared equally well groomed in a black striped suit, grey tie and white shirt.
As part of the ceremony, a wreath was laid by the royals in commemoration.
In a heartfelt speech shared by the royal couple, King Willem-Alexander said: ‘In these exceptional months, we have all had to give up some of our freedom. Our country has not known anything like it since the war.
The royal couple coordinated in black attire, with mother-of-three Maxima accessorising with dazzling studded earrings
The memorial took place without an audience or invitees as part of the nation’s efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus. Pictured: Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander preparing to lay a wreath
King Willem-Alexander gave a speech explaining that he’s thinking of those who fought for freedom during World War II
‘Now we make our own choice. For the sake of life and health. Then the choice was made for us. By an occupier with an ideology without mercy that killed many millions of people. How did the ultimate freedom feel?’
He explained that at this time he’s thinking of the civilians and soldiers who fought for the freedom of the Dutch nation in the war.
King Willem-Alexander added: ‘War spans generations. Now, 75 years after our liberation, the war is still in us. The least we can do is not look away. Don’t justify it. Do not erase. Do not set aside.
‘Not making “normal” what is not normal. And, nurturing and defending our free, democratic constitutional state. Because only it offers protection against arbitrariness and madness.
King Willem-Alexander (pictured centre) called on the nation not to erase the memory of war, claiming that it spans generations
Queen Maxima wore an ankle-grazing black skirt and top with a matching shawl and wide brimmed trilby hat for an effortlessly stylish look
‘Jules Schelvis endured hell and managed to make something of life as a free person. Much more than that. “I have kept faith in humanity,” he said. If he could do it, so can we. We can do it, we do it together. In freedom.’
King Willem-Alexander’s speech follows weeks of the royals communicating with the public using social media and making visits to those who are fighting coronavirus.
Photos from the memorial shared on Instagram were positively received by their supporters.
Queen Maxima opted for minimal make-up with the addition of bold black eyeliner to draw attention
King Willem-Alexander appeared dapper in a striped black suit, teamed with a white shirt and grey tie
The royals received a positive response after sharing photos from the memorial on Instagram