King's Day: Dutch Citizens Celebrate Their Monarch

On Saturday, the people of the Netherlands gathered to celebrate the 58th birthday of King Willem-Alexander, marking a day filled with festivities and national pride. Known as King's Day, the occasion featured vibrant street parties adorned in the national color of orange, particularly in the city of Doetinchem near the German border, where the official celebration took place.

King Willem-Alexander acknowledged the significance of the day, describing it as one with dual aspects. While the Dutch celebrated at home, a solemn event unfolded in Rome as the funeral for Pope Francis was held on the same day. In a video message, the King expressed his respect for the Pope, highlighting the themes of love, humanity, and mutual care that he felt were central to both occasions. He characterized King's Day as a celebration of connection and community.

During the festivities in Doetinchem, the royal family received a warm reception from attendees. Queen Máxima made a notable appearance in a stylish dark blue outfit complemented by a decorative hat, while their daughters, Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia, and Princess Ariane, also participated. Princess Ariane, however, was unable to attend due to her preparations for exams at a college in Italy.

Public sentiment towards the monarchy appears to be on the rise, with a recent survey conducted by the public broadcaster NOS indicating that 62% of the Dutch population supports the monarchy, reflecting a five-point increase from the previous year. Trust in King Willem-Alexander himself has also seen an improvement, rising from 44% last year to 51%. This marks a recovery from earlier years when his approval ratings were as high as 75% at the start of his reign in 2013.

In previous years, the royal couple faced criticism from the public, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were reported to have traveled to a vacation home in Greece despite national restrictions urging citizens to stay home. However, the current mood seems to indicate a reconciliation between the monarchy and the public.

As the celebrations unfolded, the unity and spirit of the Dutch people were on full display, reinforcing the significance of King's Day as a cherished national holiday.