GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, MI -- In his first speech in Michigan, King Willem-Alexander said his country is appreciative of its connection to a state that is six times its size and holds the biggest population of people with Dutch heritage in the U.S.

He noted that the seeds the Dutch planted here have borne fruit; food and agriculture are still a cornerstone of Michigan's economy.

"Hard work, frugality, determination. These were the values that helped many Dutch build successful lives," King Willem-Alexander said in a speech to an audience of about 250 people at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

While the Dutch have many good qualities, they can be a little too forthright, the king admitted.

"The Dutch may not have been the biggest immigrant community but they were certainly one of the most outspoken. They probably didn't make life easy for themselves or for others. Some took the attitude, 'If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much."

He and Queen Maxima sat at a table set for 18, which included David Van Andel and Doug DeVos, whose fathers founded Amway Corp.

After the lunch at Meijer Gardens, a tree planting and a dance performance with more than 1,800 in the audience were scheduled. Then they will visit Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and Van Andel Institute, which also were built by Amway's founding families.

Liesel Meijer, wife of Meijer Inc. co-chairman Hank Meijer, was also at the table. Lena Meijer, wife of the late Fred Meijer, greeted the royal couple when they arrived at Meijer Gardens. Lena, who was in a wheelchair, was accompanied by her sons, Doug and Mark.

The Dutch monarch's 10-minute speech also touched on the continuing success of Grand Rapids due to philanthropy of successful Dutch-American families Meijer, Van Andel and Meijer and the continuing ties between his county and the entire state.

"We are proud to have played a part in the history of this great state," said Willem-Alexander, noting the economic trade mission that accompanied his visit. "And we are keen to keep playing a part in the future."

Related: Dutch royals arrive in West Michigan

Gov. Rick Snyder spoke before the king, and noted Michigan is proud of its Dutch population and its connection to the Netherlands.

"I do have a pitch to get you to come back earlier than 30 years," Snyder said.

The last royal visit was by Willem-Alexander's mother, Queen Beatrix, in 1982. Her visit to West Michigan lasted two-and-half days, while today's visit is just over five hours. They were expected to head to back to the airport later this afternoon to fly to Chicago for the last leg of their visit before returning to the Netherlands on Wednesday.