On Monday 24 June 2024, Emir Tamim of Qatar made an official visit to the Netherlands. Sheikh Tamim ben Hamad Al Thani was welcomed with honours by King Willem-Alexander at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, while Queen Máxima brought out a magnificent ensemble to accompany Sheikha Jawahir.
Ceremonial welcome of Emir Tamim of Qatar by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in front of the Noordeinde Palace on 24 June 2024 (Photo: Iris Van Den Broek/ANP/ABACAPRESS.COM)
Sheikh Tamim ben Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawahir at the Noordeinde Palace
The Emir of Qatar arrived in The Hague on Monday 24 June for an official visit to the Netherlands, with the aim of strengthening diplomatic relations and the ambitions for cooperation between the two countries. Sheikh Tamim ben Hamad Al Thani's day began at Noordeinde Palace, the Dutch head of state's workplace.
During his official engagements abroad, Emir Tamim, 44, has recently developed the habit of travelling with his first wife, Sheikha Jawahir. Sheikha Jawahir made her first public appearance at an official event abroad in 2022, when the Emir was received by King Felipe and Queen Letizia in Madrid. The Emir of Qatar has 13 children with his three wives. Sheikh Tamim succeeded his father, Sheikh Hamad, in 2013, after the latter's abdication. Sheikh Hamad is 72 years old today.
Sheikha Jawahir, Queen Máxima, Emir Tamim of Qatar and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (Photo: Iris Van Den Broek/ANP/ABACAPRESS.COM)
King Willem-Alexander, 57, had reserved the protocol ceremony required to welcome a foreign head of state, in the presence of Queen Máxima, who accompanied the First Lady of Qatar.
For the occasion, Queen Máxima brought out her pale blue outfit by Natan, which caused a sensation last December. The outfit was described in the Dutch press as a "Cinderella dress" when she first wore it to the 2023 Christmas Concert Gala. Queen Máxima again matched it with a set of diamonds and blue stones. This set, the origin of which is unknown, has been worn by the Queen since 2013.
The Qatari and Dutch sovereigns inside Noordeinde Palace on 24 June 2024 (Photo: Robin Utrecht/ABACAPRESS.COM)
After the welcome at Noordeinde Palace and an exchange between the two heads of state, the Emir of Qatar went to the office of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The Emir of Qatar also met the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Queen Máxima in her "Cinderella dress" consisting of a blouse and skirt from Natan, with a matching necklace (Photo: Patrick Van Katwijk/Pool/ANP/ABACAPRESS.COM)
Alongside his meetings with the Dutch authorities, a round table discussion was organised for the Qatari delegation accompanying him to the Netherlands. The delegation is made up of CEOs from companies in a range of sectors, from food to sustainable energy.
NICOLAS FONTAINE
THE EMIR OF QATAR AND HIS WIFE WELCOMED BY KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER AND QUEEN MÁXIMA IN THE NETHERLANDS