Beatrix visits neighbours on charm offensive

Interesting feature article in Radio Netherlands:

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is in neighbouring Belgium for a three-day state visit, aimed at strengthening diplomatic and friendship ties.

Despite their common history, traditions and - to an extent - language, the two countries are in many ways miles apart.

From 1815-1831, The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg were one country. The early ancestor of Queen Beatrix, King Willem I, let Belgium slip through his fingers.

According to mayor Louis Tobback of the Belgian city of Leuven that was an historical error.

Read full article: Radio Netherlands, 20 June 2006