Queen Máxima has spoken for the first time about the death of her younger sister Inés, who committed suicide earlier this month.

Máxima, who was visibly emotional, took time after her visit to the new proton cancer clinic in Groningen to make the short statement. It was her first public appearance since Inés’s death two weeks ago.

The queen said how pleased she was to visit the centre, which gave hope to people with cancer.

‘My dear, clever little sister Inés was sick,’ the queen said. ‘She could not find happiness and she could not be cured. Our only comfort is that she has now finally found peace.’

The letters and support from people ‘really helped’, the queen said, before going on to thank everyone who had shown respect for the family’s privacy at such a difficult time.