The Queen has spoken publicly about Brexit for the first time, telling the King of the Netherlands that "as we look toward a new partnership with Europe" the values shared by the UK and Holland "are our greatest assets".

Speaking at a state banquet in honour of King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima, the Queen added that as "innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future".

The Queen, who remains impartial in political matters, chose to emphasise the qualities needed by the UK and one of its closet European neighbours going forward.

The women of the two Royal Families, including Queen Maxima, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall, put on a dazzling display of royal tiaras during the white-tie dinner.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore the Royal Family Order, awarded to her by the Queen last year. It is understood to be made from glass rather than the traditional ivory, after the younger members of the Royal Family campaigned against the illegal wildlife trade.