Dutch King thanks public for support after sister-in-law's death

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are grateful for all the expressions of support and sympathy they received after the death of Maxima's sister Inés Zorreguieta, the Dutch King said upon arrival in Riga on Sunday evening. On Monday morning the King starts his state visits to the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Telegraaf reports.

Queen Maxima was also scheduled to go on the state visits, but won't be able to due to the death of her younger sister. "I would have loved to be here with my wife", King Willem-Alexander said.

Inés was burried near Buenos Aires in Argentina on Friday. King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and their three daughters Amalia, Alexia and Ariane attended the funeral. "Inés was intensely dear to us and also the godmother of Arine. We went to Argentina together to attend the funeral with our family and to be with the family together", a visibly emotional Willem-Alexander said at his hotel in Riga. "Many have sympathized with us, and also on behalf of my wife, I am very grateful for all the massages we received and the sympathy."

"We are here in Latvia now for a state visit. That starts [Monday], followed by Estonia and Lithuania. My wife will be there in her thoughts, and I will be with her in mine", the King said.

Last month Queen Maxima said she was looking forward to the visit to the Baltic states. She and Willem-Alexander visited Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania shortly after their marriage in 2002, according to the newspaper.