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King and Queen of Varendia welcomed to Dou Boux
The Los Bouxiana Times, Sunday, 17th of April 2022

LOS BOUXIANA: All the pageantry that makes this nation's state occasions world-famous was rolled out again yesterday morning in the Capital as Their Majesties The King and Queen of Varendia arrived in Dou Boux. Accompanied by Crown Prince Erik, Their Majesties touched down at Los Bouxiana International Airport just after 11h30 yesterday morning. According to Madame Cécile Bechard, Spokesperson for The Imperial Palace, the purpose of the four-day state visit is two-fold: "Their Majesties are here to help strengthen bilateral cooperation between Dou Boux and Varendia and between the two Royal Houses." The Varendian Royal Party was met on the tarmac by The King-Emperor, Queen-Empress and The Princess Victoria Eugenie; as well as members of The Government and Diplomatic Corps.

King Gustuv and His Imperial Majesty reviewed a guard of honour that had been mounted by members of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, Royal Bonafacio Regiment, which was then followed by a carriage procession through the Capital. There were were Varendian Flags fluttering as far as the eye could see as some 450 000 people gathered to greet the Varendiane Royals on their first visit to Dou Boux. The party then made its way to the Imperial Palace for the exchange of gifts and honours and to meet with The Queen Dowager. His Imperial Majesty presented King Gustuv, Queen Gunbritta and Crown Prince Erik with the insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of The Most Noble Order of The Crown of Dou Boux, this nation's highest honour. In addition to this, King Gustav was presented with a six-piece gold writing set and Queen Gunbritta received a sapphire and diamond parure consisting of a tiara, necklace, earrings, two bracelets, a brooch and two rings. His Royal Highness Crown Princess Erik received a pair of emerald cufflinks from Princess Victoria Eugenie, as well as a classic book on Polo - a favourite sport of the Prince's.

The Queen Dowager then hosted a luncheon for the visitors before appearing with them on the balcony to greet the assembled crowds. Whilst looking evidently frail, the 97-year-old Queen Dowager appeared unaided on the balcony to greet the crowds that still see her as the Mother of The Nation. After their meeting with Her Imperial Majesties, the visiting King and Queen retired to their suite to prepare for the evening's festivities. Shortly after 19h30, a state dinner was held in the Hall of Knights in honour of the visiting guests. 1200 guests - including members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the Government and Diplomatic Corps, prominent Varendianes and the entire Royal House - dined on a six-course meal and danced the night away.

Tomorrow, The King-Emperor and Queen-Empress will take Their Varendiane Majesties to visit the Houses of Parliament, and to the Guildhall where King Gustav will be bestowed the Freedom of Los Bouxiana; before they branch out and visit various locations around the capital. Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria Eugenie will accompany Crown Prince Erik to the University of Los Bouxiana where he shall receive a Doctorate of Civil Law, honouris causa. Following the visit, they shall visit the Royal Stud, before flying to Bonafacio to visit the Saint Charles Borromeo Children's Hospital of which Her Royal Highness is Patron.