King and Queen of Netherlands Visit Philadelphia to Discuss Economic Ties with Pennsylvania Governor
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited Philadelphia on Monday, meeting with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to discuss economic ties. The bilateral meeting at Independence Hall focused on historical bonds and increasing trade between Pennsylvania and the Netherlands. Shapiro highlighted a robust trading arrangement worth billions, including Hershey Chocolates exports.
Usa TodayRoyal Visit
to Philadelphia King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited Philadelphia on Monday.
They met with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in Philadelphia on Monday morning. Dutch government members accompanied King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima during the visit. The meeting discussed economic ties between Pennsylvania and the Netherlands.
The bilateral meeting concluded at Independence Hall alongside the National Park Service.
Statements on Historical and Economic Ties Josh
Shapiro said, "Pennsylvania and the Netherlands have stood together for centuries, dating back to when William Penn first founded our Commonwealth.
" Shapiro highlighted the incredibly deep historical and cultural ties shared between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Netherlands. He said Pennsylvania and the Netherlands have a wonderful and robust trading arrangement that represents billions of dollars in commercial activity, including Hershey Chocolates sent to the Netherlands.
Shapiro said conversations would continue that day to discuss how Pennsylvania and the Netherlands can increase trade.
King Willem-Alexander said, "It's important that we continue to cherish the centuries-old bond between our nations, because it was the essence of what [has] always united us. " The king and queen stated the purpose of the visit was to reaffirm and strengthen ties with Pennsylvania.
Acknowledgments and Future Plans King
Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima thanked Josh Shapiro for Pennsylvania's hospitality.
They acknowledged the significance of the visit during preparations for America's 250th anniversary. King Willem-Alexander expressed excitement to visit Fishtown and the Eagles' stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer. The Netherlands will be represented in the FIFA World Cup this summer.
USA Today reported on the visit through Philadelphia-based reporter Kaitlyn McCormick of USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- Monday morning, 2026-04-13
Meeting between King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Gov. Josh Shapiro discussed economic ties and concluded at Independence Hall.
1 sourceUnattributed - Monday, 2026-04-13
King and Queen of the Netherlands visited Philadelphia, accompanied by Dutch government members.
1 sourceUnattributed - Monday, 2026-04-13
Statements made by Josh Shapiro and King Willem-Alexander on historical bonds, trade, and visit purpose.
1 sourceJosh Shapiro · King Willem-Alexander - Summer 2026
King Willem-Alexander plans to visit Fishtown and Eagles' stadium ahead of FIFA World Cup, where Netherlands will be represented.
1 sourceKing Willem-Alexander · Unattributed - 2026
Visit acknowledged during preparations for America's 250th anniversary.
1 sourceKing Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima
Potential Impact
- 01
Strengthened diplomatic relations ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebrations.
- 02
Continued export growth for Pennsylvania products like Hershey Chocolates to Netherlands.
- 03
Potential increase in trade volume between Pennsylvania and Netherlands following discussions.
- 04
Enhanced cultural exchanges tied to shared democratic history.
- 05
Boost to local Philadelphia tourism from royal visit to sites like Fishtown and Eagles' stadium.
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