At the balcony of the Royal Palace
The Reception
After the wedding a reception with lunch took place at the Palace on the Dam Square. Prince Claus of the Netherlands didn't attend it anymore and left. Queen Beatrix gave a speech also on his behalf, in which she praised the parents of Princess Máxima for the values they have given her and for her excellent upbringing. She also praised Princess Máxima for being such a secure and strong person and thanked her for bringing joy in their life.
Her speech was followed by one of Martín Zorreguieta, Máxima's eldest brother. He made everybody laugh by telling anecdotes about their youth. He talked about his sister's talent for stumbling, a talent she never lost.
Finally the Prince of Orange thanked everybody, told how they get to the idea to marry on 02-02-02 after seeking some documentation on the Internet, and talked about the great and important role his father played in his life.
At the reception bride and groom cut the wedding cake.
After a nice reception bride and groom left for their honeymoon at about 17:30. Then also the guests left the Palace. Part of them left on Saturday already, another part on Sunday.
The Royal Palace on the Dam Square
The Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam was the centre of the festive events surrounding the wedding of the Prince of Orange and Máxima Zorreguieta. The palace is situated on Dam Square in the centre of Amsterdam. It was originally built as the city hall for the burgomasters and magistrates of Amsterdam. The celebrated architect Jacob van Campen took control of the project in 1648 and the first section was opened in 1655. The entire building was constructed of white stone, though the weathering of the centuries has left none of it visible. Renowned sculptors were brought to Amsterdam and famous painters such as Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol contributed to the interior. The central theme, featuring in much of the decoration, was the power of Amsterdam in particular and the Dutch Republic in general. The building served as the city hall for a century and a half. It was first used as a palace for a few days in 1768, when Stadholder William V and his wife, Wilhelmina of Prussia, were given a ceremonial welcome to Amsterdam. In 1807 King Louis Napoleon moved to Amsterdam and in 1808 he took possession of the city hall and converted it into a royal palace and was redecorated in the Empire style under supervision of J.T. Thibault. On the fall of Napoleon in 1813, Prince William, later King William I, returned the palace to the city of Amsterdam. However, after his investiture, the new King realised the importance of having a home in the capital, and asked the city authorities to make the palace available to him once again. It was not until 1936 that it became state property. The Royal Palace on the Dam Square is one of the three palaces (Huis ten Bosch and Noordeinde being the others) which the State has placed at the Queen's disposal by Act of Parliament. It is used mainly for entertaining and official functions, for example state visits, the Queen's New Year reception and other official receptions.
Photos and copyright: Netty Leistra