From shipyard to Beatles: King Willem-Alexander in Liverpool

King Willem-Alexander made a one-day visit to Liverpool on Tuesday, the city known as the home of The Beatles. The programme was varied: a shipyard, a university, a pub, a football pitch and a music museum. The visit is about cooperation between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, particularly in shipbuilding, new technology and defence.

Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the minister for foreign trade and development, accompanied the King all day. Defence minister Dilan Yeşilgöz and infrastructure minister Vincent Karremans joined later in the day. A group of Dutch companies is also in the city on a trade mission.

"Old and deep-rooted ties"

The day began at the Balaena Birkenhead shipyard on the River Mersey. The yard makes parts for navy frigates and submarines.

The King gave a short speech in one of the workshop halls. "The ties between our countries are old and deep-rooted," he said. He also mentioned the city's most famous sons: "Four ordinary lads from Liverpool who took pop music to great heights. Talk about innovation!"

He was then shown around the yard, with views across the Mersey.

The King also talked to students training for technical jobs in shipbuilding.

Flying without emissions

From the shipyard the King went to the University of Liverpool, where the focus was on the future of aviation. The Netherlands and the UK want to create an emission-free air corridor between the two countries. The King saw new solutions such as reusable batteries, electric passenger aircraft and charging stations for planes.

At a laboratory linked to the university, the group saw how parts are made with a 3D printer. The King also got to print something himself.

Lunch at the pub

Lunch was at a pub in the city centre, with Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and members of the local community among others.

Walking football in Anfield

After lunch the King went to Anfield, home of Liverpool FC. He visited the Cruyff Court Ryan Gravenberch, a small football pitch named after the Dutch Liverpool player, and the neighbouring Anfield Sports and Community Centre. The centre helps local people live healthier lives and find work.

On the pitch, older people were playing walking football. They told the King about their lives in Liverpool.

Inside the centre the King saw everything from exercise classes and computer courses to technology lessons for children. He also watched a football session for people with disabilities and refugees.

The Beatles and a music museum

On the waterfront, the King posed by the statue of The Beatles. The British Music Experience was also on the afternoon programme, a museum of British music history with costumes, instruments and memorabilia from famous artists.

This evening the King ends his visit with a reception at Liverpool Town Hall, where he will give a speech.