King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands hosted the annual Gala Dinner for the Diplomatic Corps at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in Dam Square on the evening of May 12th.
The Gala Dinner is hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in order to maintain international relations and strengthen ties, this year’s theme is art and culture.
In addition to the approximately one hundred and forty foreign representatives in the Netherlands and Brussels, some seventy figureheads from the world of art and culture have also been invited. Previous dinners had themes such as public administration, international law and international business.
Queen Máxima wore a repeated Jan Taminiau gown with the Dutch Antique Pearl Tiara. King Willem-Alexander wore White Tie with the Sash and Star of the Military William Order and the Star of the Order of the Netherlands Lion.
King Willem-Alexander gave a speech:
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
The Queen and I bid you a warm welcome! In the year that our capital celebrates its 750th anniversary, it is an extra great pleasure to greet you all in the Royal Palace Amsterdam, the heart of the city.
Amsterdam and the Kingdom of the Netherlands owe their growth and prosperity partly to the relationships with countries and peoples far and near. The international orientation of our open society and economy is a great strength of the Netherlands. You represent the many countries with which we are connected in 2025. The presence of each of you does us a great deal of good.
The world we share is changing rapidly. Common rules and agreements are under pressure. Healthy competition increasingly takes the form of fierce rivalry. And unfortunately, tensions and conflicts disrupt the lives of millions of people. Our hearts go out to the victims of violence in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan and other regions.
The future is unpredictable. In these turbulent times, the Netherlands is committed to stability and security, promoting prosperity and good governance. Everyone – everywhere in the world – wants a decent existence for themselves and their loved ones. With enough to eat. With work and an economy that runs. With safety and health care. And with a government that functions. Only in this way can people build something in their own country. Security of existence and future prospects are essential for every person.
Based on this conviction, the Netherlands is keen to seek cooperation. And we do this primarily where we can make a special contribution. You know our reputation in the field of food production. Dutch companies and knowledge institutions have a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They work with their partners all over the world to increase food security, even under very challenging circumstances.
Water management is also a Dutch core competence. We are happy to share our expertise! And that applies to more areas, such as healthcare and sustainable energy.
A stable, safe world is built on stable, safe countries and regions, where people can live freely and without fear. That is why we are committed to working with each of you to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
Your unifying role as diplomats is of paramount importance. The significance of your work has become even greater now that tensions in the world have increased. This evening offers you ample opportunity to meet your colleagues and to search for common ground together. The Queen and I cordially invite you to do so.
As the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we want to strengthen our ties with you even more. That is why we have invited a group of special guests again this year. People who already work intensively with international partners and would like to broaden and deepen their contacts.
In 2022, we welcomed a group of representatives from the Dutch government.
In 2023, it was scientists and researchers.
And last year, innovative entrepreneurs.This year you can get to know figureheads from the world of art and culture.
They are visual artists, musicians, writers, theatre makers, architects, designers, heritage specialists and museum directors. They are based in the Netherlands, but feel connected to the whole world and to the many cultures represented here tonight.
And that fits seamlessly into the tradition of this city and this country. With our self-confident, free, open society that has always regarded its international orientation as a strength.
In times of social hardening and polarization, art and culture are extra important. They help us to find new words, form new images and discover new, unexpected connections, also internationally!
May I ask you all to raise your glasses.
To friendship and cooperation across borders!
