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Queen Máxima kisses the Queen to the surprise of royal watchers

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were treated to a lavish welcoming ceremony to kick off their whirlwind two-day state visit. And while the Dutch queen is always making headlines for her sartorial savvy, big heart and adorable family photos, on Tuesday (Oct. 23) it was for something entire differently – she kissed the Queen !

MORE: All the best photos of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima’s first UK state visit

While the mother of three approached Her Majesty upon arrival, she curtsied, took her hand and kissed both of the monarch’s cheeks – as did her husband, King Willem-Alexander. But it doesn’t seem like it bothered the 92-year-old at all, who offered up a megawatt smile and a sweet handhold while greeting the Dutch couple that day. While it’s generally frowned upon to kiss the Queen, it’s likely that as her counterparts on equal standing it was appropriate for the Dutch monarchs.

Queen Máxima kissed the Queen on the cheek. Photo: © Getty Images

After all, the two nations have quite a wonderful relationship, and work hard to keep their bond strong. They were surely happy to be joining forces again for a couple days, given that the last time Dutch royalty paid a visit to the UK was in 1982, when Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus stopped by to see the monarch.

Royal watchers are likely over the moon to be seeing the Netherlands’ sweet and stylish royal family in London – and are anxiously awaiting the highly anticipated state banquet, where royal attendees (hopefully including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge !) will be stepping out in full glam, tiaras and all. During the first day of their visit, Queen Elizabeth II took her European guests to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, where they laid a wreath. She also showed them some Dutch items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace after the wreath-laying ceremony and they caught up with Prince Charles and Camilla at Clarence House.

The Dutch royals met with the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles at the Dutch ambassador's residence. Photo: © Getty Images

It’s clear that Máxima and Britain’s monarch get along swimmingly, given the emotive photos snapped of their chatting, laughing and smiling away at the Abbey. The Queen looked lovely as ever in a rich purple dress, three strands of pearls and matching earrings. Ever the fashion maven, the 47-year-old royal dazzled in a mauve ensemble, pairing it with a matching headband fascinator, a small clutch and beige suede pumps. We can’t wait to see what they don for the banquet!