Dutch King expresses Brexit concerns ahead of visit to U.K.

King Willem-Alexander expressed his regret and concern about the United Kingdom's imminent departure from the European Union, speaking to British journalist ahead of his state visit to the U.K. later this month. The Dutch King is particularly concerned about the consequences the Brexit will have for trade between the Netherlands and England, the Guardian and the Independent report.

The trading relationship between the Netherlands and the U.K. will survive the Brexit, but it would have been better if Britain stayed in the EU, the King said. He said that the Netherlands' position is regret that the Brexit is happening, but added that the country must respect the choice of the British people.

The British journalists were invited to speak with the King at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, ahead of a royal state visit to the United Kingdom. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima will visit the UK on October 23rd and 24th, to cement ties between the two countries as North Sea neighbors with shared values in the past, present and future, Dutch palace officials said to the British media.

The Brexit will also be the main focus of the state visit. The King and Queen will meet with Dutch citizens in the U.K. who are concerned about their business prospects after the Brexit. "They will talk with Dutch entrepreneurs, academics and creatives, volunteers from the Dutch community, and Dutch nationals who are concerned about the consequences of Brexit", a palace official said.