King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are off to the UK on a state visit on Tuesday for 2 days. This has obviously come at a very turbulent time for the UK, as in March they will officially leave the European Union. This topic of conversation certainly won’t be avoided. The Brexit discussion hasn’t been avoided from anyone since the vote was cast.
The elephant in the room
What will happen?
Before the state visit, they will meet some other Dutch nationals who are currently living in the UK. It’s obvious that the main topic will be about their Brexit concerns. They will meet members of the royal family, the British Prime Minister Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader (opposition). Most of this discussion will be behind closed doors.
The king will conduct many speeches during his visit also. Including speaking to the British parliament and also at Buckingham Palace (essentially a wine and dine). Brexit is definitely expected to be brought up again, but the king will do it respectfully. The Dutch and the Brits are very close and of course, he will highlight that this will continue regardless of Brexit, even though him (and almost half of the UK population!!!) don’t want it to happen.
It’ll be interesting to see what comes of this state visit.
Cover pic source: Wiki/Floris Looijesteijn
Almost half means they lost 52 to 48 %!
So brexit it is as my Dutch friend says it will be NE EXIT NEXT!