MFA Press Statement: Valedictory Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix

26 April 2013

Your Majesty,

On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I offer Your Majesty my best wishes as you abdicate the throne in favour of Crown-Prince Willem-Alexander.

Throughout your reign as Queen of the Netherlands, you have inspired many with your generous spirit and commitment to important causes such as peace, tolerance and conservation. Under your leadership, the Dutch monarchy has earned respect for its work ethic, with Noordeinde Palace known as a “palace of work”. You have represented the Netherlands with dignity, intelligence and empathy. 

I fondly recall our fruitful discussions during your recent State Visit to Singapore in January. Your visit was a milestone in our bilateral relations. Singapore and the Netherlands share many similarities, and enjoy an excellent relationship anchored by history, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. I am confident that relations between our two countries will continue to flourish in the years to come.

I wish Your Majesty continued good health and all the best in your future endeavours.  May I also take this opportunity to wish Your Majesty and the people of the Netherlands a joyous Queen’s Day on 30 April 2013.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix
Noordeinde Palace
The Hague
The Netherlands