PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — European royalty made a stop in Philadelphia on Monday. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and first lady Lori Shapiro greeted King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in Old City, where they toured a few of Philly’s most historic sites.
They first visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. There, the king and the governor exchanged copies of the Pennsylvania Charter and the Act of Abjuration, the Netherlands’ version of the Declaration of Independence, which will soon go on display at the Museum of the American Revolution.
“This is a historic site for the Dutch as well as the Americans, and the Netherlands was one of the first countries to recognize this new era and to embrace it,” said Willem-Alexander. “Both documents reflect the same spirit and defend the same principles: liberty, the rejection of tyranny and dictatorship, and governance by the consent of the governed.”
“We’re very proud to show off this incredible house of history where our nation was created 250 years ago,” Shapiro added. “The history is important, but the future is where we find great possibility.”
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrive for their working visit to the United States on April 12, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
During a private meeting, the leaders talked about their economic ties in regard to the energy, agriculture and life sciences sectors.
“Pennsylvania is one of our key partners,” the king said, “and this is about more than just business alone. We worked together closely on innovations to improve our health care, strengthen our maritime sector, help our cities thrive, and make our living environments cleaner.”
Last year, trade between Pennsylvania and the Netherlands made $3.7 billion — up 17% from the year before. Pennsylvania is the sixth-largest international job creator for the Netherlands.
The king and queen also got a look at arts education in Philadelphia during their tour.
Standing alongside Mayor Cherelle Parker and Superintendent Tony Watlington, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima smiled broadly and applauded as students at Kensington High School for the Creative and Performing Arts finished a modern dance routine. Then, the king and queen asked students about the importance of arts education and if they performed outside of school.
Senior dancer Chacey Richburg said it was unique to speak with royalty.
“This is a moment of my life that I will treasure. I don’t think I would ever do anything as meaningful as this.”
Principal Patricia McDermott welcomed the chance to showcase her students’ abilities.
“I think it was a great opportunity for the students to see outside of just the school community of Kensington CAPA and be recognized for their talents.”
Junior dancer Victoria Leach cheered when the superintendent asked if they’d like to perform in the Netherlands someday.
“Yes! We was real hype for that! Take a study abroad trip to do a dance there.”
The king and queen also toured Fishtown and the Philadelphia Eagles training complex.
