The Queen has spoken publicly about Brexit for the first time.
During a state banquet for the King of the Netherlands and his wife Queen Maxima, she said that "as we look toward a new partnership with Europe", the values shared by the UK and Holland "are our greatest assets".
In front of a watching Theresa May at Buckingham Palace, the Queen added that as "innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future".
The Queen, who is impartial in political matters, chose to emphasise the qualities needed by the UK and one of its closet European neighbours going forward – as UK politicians continue to be bitterly divided by Brexit.
Earlier, in a speech to both Houses of Parliament, King Willem-Alexander urged the government to lift the "shadow of uncertainty" hanging over Dutch nationals living in Britain after Brexit.
And in his address at the Palace dinner, with Ms May seated nearby, the foreign head of state continued: "At present, a lot of attention is focused on the 'technical' side of Brexit. That's understandable and necessary.
"But in the midst of all that complexity we should not lose sight of the greater narrative that continues to bind us. The greater narrative of freedom, openness and cooperation. Of growth and a prosperity whose fruits are enjoyed by all."
Also present were Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall.
King Willem-Alexander also met Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in private before the banquet.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
