Dutch King Willem-Alexander, accompanied by Queen Máxima and their daughters, Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane, made a grand entrance into Emmen on Saturday morning. The city warmly welcomed the royal entourage, with Mayor Eric van Oosterhout and Jetta Klijnsma, the King’s Commissioner for the Province of Drenthe, extending their greetings.
The occasion marked the celebration of King Willem-Alexander’s 57th birthday, a significant national holiday in the Netherlands. Upon their arrival, the royal family was serenaded by Bouke & The ElvisMatters Band, who joyously sang a birthday tribute to the king, with Queen Máxima joining in the chorus.
Samen met de kindergemeenteraad en basisschoolleerlingen speelt de Koninklijke familie een regiospel. De prijs voor het winnende team? Eeuwige Emmense glorie! Op het Innovatieplein wordt stilgestaan bij de rol van Emmen in de sector circulaire plastics. https://t.co/wpYkWNqBFh pic.twitter.com/b2w2qmIv3S
— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) April 27, 2024Throngs of people lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family and extend their well-wishes to Willem-Alexander. The air buzzed with excitement as cheers filled the atmosphere, accompanied by the clicking of countless photographs. Spectators crowded onto balconies, eagerly awaiting the procession of the royals.
Mijn hartelijke felicitaties voor Koning Willem-Alexander, die vandaag zijn 57ste verjaardag viert. Ik wens hem en zijn familie een mooie, feestelijke dag toe in Emmen. En ik wens Nederland een hele fijne en gezellige #Koningsdag. pic.twitter.com/tux98QmR5f
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) April 27, 2024The day’s itinerary included visits to various squares hosting musical performances, dance festivities, and interactive games. Bouke Scholten and Jannes were among the artists slated to entertain the king and his entourage. The festivities were set to culminate at the main stage on Raadhuisplein.
A very happy birthday to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and I wish everyone who is celebrating a great King’s Day!🧡👑 #Koningsdag
📸© @koninklijkhuis pic.twitter.com/1sy5qEBYKu
— Hanke Bruins Slot (@HankeBruinsSlot) April 27, 2024As the morning unfolded, Emmen witnessed a surge in activity, with hundreds of early risers gathering along Hoofdstraat, donning orange attire and waving Dutch flags. The vibrant display of national pride marked the first King’s Day celebration in Drenthe in over two decades, the last being in 2002 when Princess Beatrix visited Meppel and Hoogeveen.
The presence of Prince Constantijn, Princess Laurentien, Prince Floris, Prince Pieter-Christiaan, and other members of the Royal Family added to the festive ambiance. Notably, Princess Alexia, now 18, rejoined the celebration after missing last year’s festivities due to exam commitments in Wales.
“Iedere keer als ik terugkom in de provincie of in Emmen dan zeg ik: hier kom ik weg! En ik heb ook begrepen dat als iets heel fantastisch is dat je zegt: het kon minder. Ik zeg jullie, deze Koningsdag, het kon véél minder!” – Koning Willem-Alexander. https://t.co/wpYkWNqBFh pic.twitter.com/s8y9UNXGGw
— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) April 27, 2024Meanwhile, 17-year-old Princess Ariane, currently attending the United World College Adriatic in Italy, was able to partake in the festivities. As a first-year student, she enjoyed the festivities without the burden of exams, marking a joyful reunion with her family on this auspicious occasion.
👑 Today, we celebrate #KingsDay in the Netherlands, and so do our teams around the world! Our colleagues from @NLinSenegal looked incredible in blue and orange sustainable fabrics from a Dutch company active in Senegal.
We wish everyone celebrating a great day! 🧡 #Koningsdag pic.twitter.com/hHIXK199XR
— Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 (@DutchMFA) April 27, 2024