Queen Maxima survives Mexico earthquake unharmed

Queen Maxima was in Mexico when a massive earthquake hit the country at 11:49 p.m. on Thursday local time, 6:49 a.m. on Friday Dutch time. The Dutch queen is safe and unharmed and will be returning to the Netherlands on schedule later today, the Telegraaf reports.

The earthquake measured an 8.1 on the Richter scale, according to United States Geological Survey. It's epicenter was in the ocean 137 kilometers southwest of Tonala at Tres Picos in the state of Chiapas. Shaking could be felt in Mexico City, as well as in neighboring countries Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica. According to the Mexican government, at least two people died. President Enrique Pena Nieto announced on Twitter that the civil protection protocols were put in force and that the National Emergency Committee is active.

Maxima is in Mexico City in her role as United Nations' Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, according to the office of the royal family. In this function she advises the UN Secretary General. She also travels worldwide, working to make financial services availabe to everyone - including low-income groups and SMEs.