The Netherlands Celebrates "King's Day" in Honor of King Willem-Alexander's 55th Birthday

His Majesty, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands turns 55! 

Dutch monarch's birthday is traditionally celebrated through a series of public events known as "The King's Day", since 2014 (replacing The Queen's Day). The celebration is highlighted by jovial public events. It's also the crowd's opportunity to meet and greet the members of the king's family.

This is the first time that the Dutch public able to celebrate The King's Day since 2019. Due to the pandemic, the events in 2020 and 2021 were canceled. This year's celebration follows the traditional way without restrictions.

This year's King's Day kicks off in Maastricht, a city in the province of Limburg, on the southern tip of The Netherlands, adjacent to the border with Belgium. The city has an estimated population of approximately 3.9 million. 

The day began with the arrival of the royal family at Sint Servaasburg, famous for its arc stone bridge, and they were greeted by the local authorities. The city turns into orange in honor of the name of the ruling Dutch royal family, the House of Orange.

Traditionally, King's Day is celebrated with the full enthusiasm of the crowd with street parties, music, and open markets. This year, the atmosphere feels like pre-pandemic, as the crowd freely celebrate their monarch's special day.

No strict coronavirus restrictions were imposed on the crowd, and the royal family mingled freely with them, receiving flowers from spectators, eager to greet the king.

The royal family watched watersports presentation before they proceeded to the proper city to meet the jubilant crowd.

The King and Queen, accompanied by their three daughters: The Princess of Orange, Princesses Alexia, and Ariane, freely roamed the city, shaking hands with members of the crowd. 

Queen Maxima is as glamorous as ever, wearing a pink ensemble topped with a white coat, and a matching hat.

Princess Catharina-Amalia wore a white stripe trouser with a matching blazer, carrying a green purse, which matches the outfit shade of her sister, Princess Alexia, who donned a green pants ensemble with a matching green blazer. While the youngest, Princess Ariane, chose to wear a casual navy blue dress.

King Willem-Alexander ascended the Dutch throne on April 30, 2013, upon the abdication of his mother, Queen Beatrix. He is the first male heir to be born in the 20th century, making him the first male monarch since King William III in the 19th century.

Happy Birthday Your Majesty!

Photo credit: koninklijkhuis official instagram account of the Dutch royal family