Great Britain | A Royal Invitation

[Jamie]

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A Royal Invitation​

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Despite the many problems in the world, the British Government and the Royal Household intend to maintain their commitment to working together with other countries, and occasionally, that means a state visit. Some consideration took place as to who to invite for first visit of 1997 and eyes turned onto the Netherlands. A country that retains a friendship with the UK and holds similar principles sees it as the perfect opportunity to push relations between both nations forward. With that in mind, an email was forwarded on behalf of the Department of the Royal Household as well as the Office of the Prime Minister to Dutch Prime Minister, Elco Brinkman and his family. It was an open invitation for a formal state visit to London which will see a number of discussions and dinners with key figures of the United Kingdom, including a rare meet with Her Majesty the Queen. It was highlighted that the visit would be large on the public relations page with Dutch and British flags covering streets in London, a flyby from the RAF Acrobatics Team, the Red Arrows. Overall, it was hinted it would be a major event for both countries.

The invitation was set out for January 1997.

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Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

The email would be received by the Office of the Prime Minister. Once it was ensured that the Prime Minister's schedule had been cleared, a reply would be sent to the British government which stated the acceptance of the invitation. A delegation would be assembled for the state visit and they immediately began preparing documents which might be required during the visit and discussions with the British government.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Following acceptance of the invitation, preparations begun late December for the arrival of the Dutch Delegation, a number of changes were occurring to accommodate the visit and a plan formally written up:

• The Dutch Delegates route from the Netherlands would be over London directly, during that time they would be met by the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, who would use smoke signalling both country flags as the VIP aircraft makes over London to the destination airport with a minimized detour to RAF Brize Norton.
  • At all times, the aircraft must follow air traffic control directions to prevent any concern of security, a proposed flight plan was submitted to the Dutch Air Force which sticking to it would reduce security factors for both countries.
• Upon arrival at RAF Brize Norton, a convoy containing black SUVs would be arranged for the guests to board. Each SUV would contain a minimum of two personnel from the Diplomatic Protection Group, armed with MP5s.
  • Two SUVs would contain two full units of these personnel.
• The 1.5hr journey from RAF Brize Norton would take place with the destination as Buckingham Palace, where the guests have been invited to stay for the duration of their visit at courtesy of Her Majesty The Queen.
  • Following a formal introduction, those present will be invited to Dinner at Buckingham Palace with the Queen and Prince Philip before been shown to their accommodation.
• In the afternoon, the delegation would be escorted to Downing Street for an informal meeting with Prime Minister Andrew Evans.
• To conclude the afternoon, the delegation would get to watch the 'Trooping the Colour' spectacular, specifically arranged for the state visit.
• Once concluded, the delegation has the option for settling into their accommodation for the night.

It was earmarked that the next day would be some visits to other places to the UK including Portsmouth Naval Base.

The Dutch Government were informed that they were ready to be received, during that time, Dutch and British Flags had been hoisted together at 'The Mall', the street leading up to Buckingham Palace with an increased police presence.

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

The Dutch delegation, including Prime Minister Elco Brinkman and aides from various ministries, would be escorted by the 1st BSB Platoon of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee to Eindhoven Air Base where an Airbus A319 from the 211 Executive Transport Squadron was waiting.

Once all passengers were aboard, the aircraft would take off and make its way to British airspace. The pilots would make contact with British air traffic control when nearing their airspace. If cleared they proceeded to follow all instructions before landing at RAF Brize Norton.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

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British Air Traffic Control provided a sufficient IFR route for the Dutch Airbus A319 that would take the aircraft over London, following its approach, the Red Arrow Aerobatic Team arrived in time to fly side by side with the aircraft and put on the iconic red, white and blue smoke which was captured by thousands of spectators to mark the arrival of the Dutch Delegate. Maintaining formation, the route provided was blessed by a high overcast which allowed for a lower-than-usual flypast, with the aircraft escaping London, the Red Arrows departed their separate way and preparation begun at RAF Brize Norton where the black SUVs, containing security, patiently waited for the executive transport to land. Across the papers and social media, photos of the Red Arrow formation begun to release:

Departure from London


The Red Arrows split from the escort​

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Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

The delegation watched the Red Arrows display being conducted on either wings. With the conclusion of the display the A319, after following British instructions, safely landed at RAF Brize Norton and taxi to its assigned stand. The door would be opened and security personnel disembarked and secured the area in support of British security. Once the all clear was given, the Prime Minister walked down the steps to greet any waiting British official.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

The A319, now on its approach to Brize Norton was the sign off required by the Red Arrows to depart and return to their base at RAF Scampton ready for their future displays, marking the official landing in the United Kingdom of the Dutch Delegation. Upon their landing, they'd be a small security detail outside ready to direct the representatives to the appropiate car but first, stood a young man who approached the Prime Minister, extending his hand. "Welcome to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister." spoke the man, "My name is Ernest, I'll be your advisor for the duration of the trip, if you'd like to follow me, we'll get you over to Buckingham Palace." he smiled, leading the delegate with the assistance of the security detail into individual vehicles. The advisor would be sure to enter the same vehicle as the Dutch Prime Minister, "How was your flight?", proceeding to commit to small talk as the SUVs departed for the journey to Buckingham Palace.

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

With the area secured, the Prime Minister and his entourage disembarked the plane. Approaching the waiting Briton Prime Minister Brinkman extended his hand, "Thank you Mr Ernest for this welcome." The delegation proceeded to follow the instructions of the British advisor and took their places in the convoy.

"The flight was short and therefore extremely pleasant," Brinkman said with a smile.

Jamie