Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has been forced to cut short a state visit to China after contracting a kidney infection.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a five-day state visit aimed at boosting ties between the Netherlands and China. However, on Tuesday, the Dutch Royal House announced that the Queen was being flown back to Holland for medical tests.

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On the second day of their historic state visit, the Queen was reportedly diagnosed with kidney infection.  According to Hello Magazine, the Queen has pyelitis. This condition, which medics say is more common in females, is characterized by an inflammation of the renal pelvis. Pyelitis can cause acute pains as well as bladder irritability. Doctors generally agree that pyelitis is easily curable in its early stages - before the infection spreads.

Despite her illness, Queen Maxima managed to accompany King Willem-Alexander to a state banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan on Monday. Nonetheless, she also missed several important appointments, including an official reception. The Dutch Royal House said she has been taking medication for her condition, but the symptoms persist. The Queen was scheduled to leave China on Tuesday night. However, King Willem-Alexander will remain in the country with about 150 delegates, who accompanied the royal couple on their journey.

According to DutchNews.nl, this is one of the largest Dutch trade delegation ever organized. Among the delegates are several prominent Dutch officials, including foreign minister Bert Koenders and employer's leader Hans de Boer as well as representatives of prominent Dutch companies, such as Philips and FriedlandCampina.

The visit is aimed at strengthening the cooperation between both nations in several areas of mutual interest, including agriculture. Hundreds of Dutch companies are operating in China and vice versa. The volume of trade between the two countries amounts to several billion dollars.

This is the first state visit of King Willem-Alexander to China since he ascended the throne in 2013. And it comes on the invitation of President Xi. The Chinese leader, who visited Netherlands in March last year, reportedly enjoyed his trip, which he has described as a success.  

TagsQueen Maxima Kidney Infection, Queen Maxima China, King Willem-Alexander China State Visit, Holland-China, Queen Maxima Pyelitis