IN TRUE Bruneian hospitality and warmth, the royal entourage from the Netherlands – led by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands – was hosted to a royal banquet last night.

Following her first day in the Sultanate, her first ever visit to the Abode of Peace, which included an audience with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and other members of the royal family, as well as a visit to the iconic Kampung Ayer, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix ended her first of her three-day state visit with a lavish banquet at the Istana Nurul Iman.

Among the royal attendees were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, along with Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, other members of the royal family, Brunei Cabinet Ministers and foreign diplomats.

As part of the banquet, His Majesty delivered a titah during which the monarch highlighted the history between Brunei Darussalam and the Netherlands, whilst Her Majesty Queen Beatrix was heard, among other topics of interest, commending the active green efforts currently being initiated by both government and non-government agencies.

Meanwhile, today, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix is scheduled to travel to Kuala Belait and play hostess to an ‘Evening of Appreciation’. Her Majesty will depart for Singapore tomorrow. - Borneo Bulletin (22 January 2013)