The Dutch King has disapproved the UK’s departure for the EU on Monday.
Speaking from the Hague, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands said that whilst the Dutch/UK trading relationship would survive Brexit, it would have been better for the UK to remain in the EU.
Speaking ahead of his state visit to the UK, the Dutch King said he had not seen any evidence of success by the UK government in its attempts to seek a better deal from member states.
However, he said the trading partnership between the countries would remain strong, with agreements becoming more bi-lateral following Brexit.
Trade between the UK and the Netherlands is worth over €60 billion.
During the state trip, King Willem-Alexander will meet the Lord Mayor of the City of London. They will discuss Dutch-British co-operation on sustainable production.
The Dutch King and Queen will also meet Dutch citizens in the UK, who are concerned about their business prospects in the UK.
A Dutch palace official said: “They will talk with Dutch entrepreneurs, academics and creatives, volunteers from the Dutch community, and Dutch nationals who are concerned about the consequences of Brexit.”
Whilst the Netherlands have said trading remaining positive post-Brexit, earlier this year the chief executive of the Port of Rotterdam, Allard Castelein, said the trading hub was “preparing for the worst” in regards to a no-deal scenario.
Until recently, the Dutch king co-piloted commercial KLM flights twice a month, many of these flying to the UK.
