HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah attended the Investiture Ceremony of the King of Netherlands which took place at the Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam.

Upon arrival at Nieuwe Kerk, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah proceeded to the royal seats allocated at the Investi-ture Ceremony Hall to witness the ceremony.

The historic Investiture Ceremony of King Willem-Alexander, the King of the Netherlands was also attended by royal guests from the United Kingdom, Thailand, Jordan, Japan, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Morocco, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Bhutan, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein.

After the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah and other royal guests attended a reception hosted by the King and Queen of the Netherlands at the Council of War Room of the Royal Palace.

During the reception, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah conveyed congratulations to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima on his investiture as the King of Netherlands, on behalf of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and his people.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah then took part in a photo session with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.

Upon completion of the ceremony and reception, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness left the ceremony.

King Willem-Alesndar was born on April 27, 1967 and is married to Queen Maxima and they are blessed with three daughters. He is a keen pilot and active in sports such as tennis, sailing, horse riding and golf.

Brunei Darussalam and the Netherlands enjoy warm and long-standing bilateral relations in many areas, particularly in the oil and gas industry and culture. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam made a State Visit to the Netherlands in 2011. Recently in January, Queen Beatrix made a State Visit to Brunei Darussalam. - Borneo Bulletin (1 May 2013)