Queen Máxima of the Netherlands surprised everyone this Wednesday by appearing alone at the Real de la Feria in Seville. Although it was noteworthy that the monarch was not accompanied by her husband, the truth is that the chosen destination is familiar to both of them. It was precisely in the mentioned Andalusian city where the Argentine fell in love with the father of her daughters more than two decades ago.
The Seville City Council shared on X an image in which Máxima appeared with José Luis Sanz, the mayor of the city.
"Seville enchants, even more so during the April Fair 25. An affair that Queen Máxima of the Netherlands proudly carries," could be read in the mentioned thread. An event that has become more than just a party for the Dutch royals.
Máxima of the Netherlands: unexpectedly in Spain without her husband's company
Máxima of the Netherlands has made it clear over the years that both she and her husband and daughters are in love with Spain and, specifically, Seville.
Despite the fact that this time it seems that the Dutch king has stayed in his country, the truth is that it is common for the couple to be seen in Spain. Last year, for example, Willem and his wife landed in the capital in December to attend an exclusive birthday party. A celebration from which no further details emerged and which brought together important figures from high society.
They were also in Toledo at the end of the year, where they met with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium during a hunting trip. They then stayed at the La Ventosilla estate, spent time hunting partridges, and enjoyed the local cuisine. Another destination they visited before the end of 2024 was Málaga, where they arrived on a regular flight.
King Willem and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands met at the Seville April Fair in 1999
A getaway that was not without controversy given that, despite trying to go unnoticed, they were photographed during their flight. It should be remembered that during those days a building exploded in The Hague, causing the death of several people. The absence of the monarchs at the ground zero of the catastrophe was widely commented on.
But if Spain is important for Queen Máxima and her husband, it is because it is the country where their daughter studied for a year. Threats from a Dutch criminal organization forced the princess to seek safety outside her country. Specifically, it was in 2022 when Amalia enrolled in an exchange program between the Instituto de Empresa in Madrid and the University of Amsterdam.
The recent visit of the Dutch queen to Seville highlights that the consort keeps our country very much in mind. Twenty-six years have passed since the day when a school friend of Máxima introduced her to the then Prince Willem of Orange at the Real Club de Andalucía booth.