Savannah recently had the extraordinary honor of hosting King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during their visit to the United States. Their Majesties included Savannah in their itinerary to strengthen cultural ties and explore the rich history and vibrant community of our city.

The agenda of the royal couple included multiple noteworthy stops throughout the city. Talks about Georgia-Netherlands relations were held on the steps of the historic City Hall, where Mayor Van Johnson greeted them. The mayor conveyed his excitement about growing bilateral trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and educational collaborations.

One of the highlights of their visit was a tour of the Savannah State University campus. The King and Queen were warmly welcomed by the university community, eager to showcase the institution’s academic excellence, diverse culture, and historical significance as Georgia’s first public historically black university. Our own Jennifer Abshire had the distinct privilege of assisting with the royal visit to the Savannah State University campus.

The Dutch royals took part in a series of symposiums at Savannah State University (SSU), including artificial intelligence, cultural heritage, and marine science were some of the subjects discussed during these meetings. The King and Queen even joined the students onstage for an impromptu dance during a marching band performance. The artificial intelligence conference was made possible by SSU’s partnership with the United States and the Netherlands, highlighting the value of international cooperation in academics and research.

The royal couple’s visit to Savannah was a memorable event, underscoring the city’s significance as a cultural and educational hub. It was a pleasure to see our community come together to welcome such distinguished guests and to witness the positive impact of international goodwill. We look forward to more opportunities to showcase Savannah’s charm and hospitality on the world stage. Thank you to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima for including Savannah in their visit, and to everyone who helped make this event a remarkable success!