Royal blue! Queen Maxima of The Netherlands touches down in Pretoria with King Willem-Alexander for their first ever state visit in South Africa

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has touched down in Pretoria for her first ever state visit to South Africa

The Dutch royal, arrived at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria alongside her husband King Willem-Alexander to begin their three-day visit, herladed . 

The mother-of-three, 52, wowed in a stylish coat dress which she paired with a bright orange fascinator.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Their Majesties on the state visit, which is the second visit of a Dutch monarch since Queen Beatrix visited South Africa at the invitation of President Nelson Mandela in 1996. 

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked typically chic in a royal blue ensemble as she arrived in South Africa on Wednesday

President Ramaphosa will officially welcome their Majesties at a Welcome Ceremony on Thursday, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

Maxima completed her look with orange stilettos and a matching clutch bag for her arrival at the military airport.

King Willem-Alexander looked smart in a navy suit which he paired with a blue tie.

First on the agenda today is a visit to Blesbokspruit Wetland Reserve, where the couple will learn about the challenged South Africa faces with water quality and supply. 

The Dutch royal, arrived at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria alongside her husband King Willem-Alexander ahead of their three day state visit to South Africa

The Dutch royal, arrived at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria alongside her husband King Willem-Alexander ahead of their three day state visit to South Africa 

The mother-of-three, 52, wowed in a stylish coat dress which she paired with a bright orange fascinator

The mother-of-three, 52, wowed in a stylish coat dress which she paired with a bright orange fascinator

Maxima completed her look with orange stilettos and a matching clutch bag for her arrival at the military airport

Maxima completed her look with orange stilettos and a matching clutch bag for her arrival at the military airport

King Willem-Alexander looked smart in a navy suit which he paired with a blue tie without waste

King Willem-Alexander looked smart in a navy suit which he paired with a blue tie without waste

Queen Maxima and her husband received a warm welcome on their arrival to the military airport in Pretoria

Queen Maxima and her husband received a warm welcome on their arrival to the military airport in Pretoria

The couple will later pay a visit to the Apartheid Museum and meet judges, activists and artists. 

During the royal visit, The Netherlands’ Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Piet Adema will head an economic mission. 

The King and Queen will later join him to learn more about green initiatives at The Innovation Village, which is helping South African businesses become more sustainable. 

There’s a glamorous evening ahead at the ambassador’s residence, where the King and Queen will meet representatives of the Dutch community who live and work in Pretoria.  

Tomorrow’s events kick off with a meeting with President Ramaphosa, who will make a joint statement with the King after signing a memo of understanding on education, culture and science between the two nations. 

The morning will conclude with a private lunch for the royals hosted by Mr Ramaphosa.