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Queen Máxima suffers kidney infection hours before attending state banquet

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Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has fallen ill during a trip to China, where she is currently accompanying her husband King Willem-Alexander on a state visit. The Dutch queen pulled out of a few engagements on Monday afternoon, however she appeared well enough to attend a big banquet in the evening.

The royal managed to hide any signs of discomfort as she stepped out for the lavish affair with her husband.

Máxima, 44, looked resplendent in a metallic-hued gown that featured an elaborate illustration on the skirt. The mum-of-three completed her regal look with an emerald diamond necklace and a pair of glittering drop earrings.

queen maxima1 © Photo: Rex

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was diagnosed with pyelitis

Máxima also looked well enough to toast her hosts, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Madame Peng Liyuan, with a glass of red wine.

The politician and his wife, who visited the Netherlands in March 2014, have just come back from a state visit to the UK where they were welcomed by members of the British royal family including the Queen, Prince William and Kate.

queen maxima2 © Photo: Rex

The stylish mum-of-three had pulled out of her afternoon engagements to rest before the banquet

Just hours before attending the banquet, Máxima was examined by a doctor and diagnosed with pyelitis, an inflammation of the renal pelvis that is fairly common and can be cured without great difficulty.

The Dutch royal palace confirmed the diagnosis with a statement online, adding that the queen was receiving treatment.

queen maxima3 © Photo: Rex

Máxima and Willem-Alexander had dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Madame Peng Liyuan

A decision was still being made about whether Máxima would attend the state banquet, but the Argentine-born royal seemed well enough to attend. She will, however, not accompany her husband to the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi province on Tuesday.

Apple farms have been established in the area and the king and queen were due to tour the area and visit an apple farmer. They were also scheduled to watch a dance performance in the village of Gaoshishi.

Máxima and Willem-Alexander, who are parents to three princesses, will then continue their state visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou this week. The focus of the visit has been on farming, the agri-food industry, horticulture and landscape development, e-commerce, sport and design.

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