Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands went back in time as they wrapped up an important visit.
As their two day State Visit to Cyprus concluded, the royals headed to a heritage site where they were shown evidence of the very earliest known settlements in the area.
It came as the King and Queen of the Netherlands carried out a busy schedule before hosting their own event in the evening.
They began the final part of their Cyprus trip with an official welcome to Nicosia by mayor Charalambos Prountzos at City Hall. They were able to enjoy views of historic Nicosia before visiting several regeneration zones on foot.
Willem-Alexander and Maxima also visited The Home for Cooperation, an organisation in the buffer zone between north and south Cyprus. They met with Greek and Turkish Cypriots who studied at Dutch universities to learn more about their time in the Netherlands and how their Dutch education has positively impacted their lives in Cyprus.
Then came a trip back in time. Their Majesties toured the Choirokoitia archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant pre-historic site in the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition to visiting reconstructed roundhouses, they were able to visit excavation sites.
In the evening, the Dutch royals held the customary reception to thank their Cypriot hosts for all of the kindness and hospitality shown.
In addition to thanking the President and everyone who contributed to the visit, guests were treated to a performance from Dutch harpist Remy van Kesteren who performed with Cypriot musicians.