Media Advisory - Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to be Welcomed at Rideau Hall

OTTAWA, May 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will welcome Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Their Majesties will be conducting a State visit to Canada from May 27 to 29.

This year marks the 70^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. The State visit will highlight Canada's contribution to that historic struggle, and the tremendous friendship and co-operation between both countries.

The programme will begin with an official welcoming ceremony with military honours on the grounds of Rideau Hall, the residence of the governor general of Canada. Following the ceremony, Their Majesties will meet with the Governor General and Her Excellency as well as plant a commemorative tree on the grounds. That evening, a State dinner will be held at Rideau Hall in honour of Their Majesties' visit. The following evening, Their Excellencies will be attending a concert hosted by Their Majesties at the Canadian Museum of History.

Their Majesties' visit follows the October 2014 visit to the Netherlands by Their Excellencies to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt.

The detailed itinerary of the events can be found below.

Wednesday, May 27
Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario

10:45 a.m.
Official Welcoming Ceremony
An official welcoming ceremony, with military honours, will be held at Rideau Hall.
His Majesty will inspect the guard of honour. The Governor General and His Majesty will also offer remarks.
Rideau Hall grounds
OPEN TO MEDIA

11:15 a.m.
Meeting Between Their Excellencies and Their Majesties
Large Drawing Room, Rideau Hall
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR POOL MEDIA—At the beginning of the meeting

11:45 a.m.
Ceremonial Tree Planting
Their Majesties will plant an eastern white pine on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate their visit to Canada. It will be located next to the tree planted by His Majesty's grandmother, Queen Juliana, and close to the tree planted by his mother, Queen Beatrix. It has been chosen as a living symbol of the strong ties and growing relationships between our two peoples.
Rideau Hall grounds
OPEN TO MEDIA

7:30 p.m.
State Dinner
Their Excellencies will host a State dinner in honour of Their Majesties' visit to Canada. His Excellency and His Majesty will deliver remarks on this occasion.
Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
OPEN TO POOL MEDIA – Official photo at 7:15 p.m. in the Reception Room and during remarks at the beginning of the State dinner in the Ballroom.

Thursday, May 28
Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, Quebec

8:25 p.m.
Concert Hosted by Their Majesties
Their Excellencies will attend a concert hosted by Their Majesties that will highlight various styles of Dutch music and musicians.
Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
OPEN TO POOL MEDIA
Media Contact: Anna Rijk, [email protected]

MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR EVENTS AT RIDEAU HALL

To cover events at Rideau Hall, media representatives must be accredited beforehand by the Parliamentary Press Gallery and must confirm their attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office. Media representatives are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to events taking place. For further accreditation information, please contact the Press Gallery at 613-992-6517 or email [email protected].

SOURCE Government House

Dominique Collin, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, [email protected]; Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.