On April 26, 2025, the Dutch royal family gathered in Doetinchem to celebrate Koningsdag, the annual celebration of King Willem-Alexander's birthday. This year, the festivities were particularly lively, with Princesses Amalia and Alexia stealing the spotlight.
The day kicked off with a solemn note, as King Willem-Alexander delivered a brief speech in remembrance of Pope Francis, who had passed away recently. Following this, the royal family embarked on a colorful procession through the streets of Doetinchem, where the atmosphere was vibrant, filled with typical Dutch festivities including street markets, delicious snacks, and plenty of selfies. The weather was perfect, hovering around 16 degrees Celsius with clear skies, making it ideal for a royal outing.
As always, the fashion choices of the royal family drew considerable attention. Princess Amalia, known for her sophisticated style, opted for a striking light blue Georgette cocktail dress from Ralph Lauren, a departure from her usual outfits. The dress, short and stylish, was complemented by silver high-heeled sandals and a small cream-colored handbag. This choice marked a bold step for the 19-year-old princess, showcasing her evolving fashion sense.
Meanwhile, Princess Alexia made a statement of her own with an edgy yet elegant ensemble. She wore a trendy white top paired with a black maxi skirt and a leather jacket, accessorized with a striking red Delvaux bag borrowed from her mother, Queen Máxima. Her outfit was not only fashionable but also appropriate for the day's more somber moments, reflecting a mature understanding of style.
Interestingly, Princess Alexia has recently emerged as the most popular royal in terms of online searches, with an impressive average of 40,000 queries per month, according to a report from the marketing agency Seeders. This popularity has surpassed that of her sister, Princess Amalia, who follows closely with 39,000 searches. In contrast, King Willem-Alexander garnered only 25,000 searches, highlighting the growing interest in the younger generation of royals.
As the royal family's official activities concluded around 2 PM, the celebrations continued throughout Doetinchem and the rest of the Netherlands. Amalia and Alexia are expected to extend their festivities with their father, King Willem-Alexander, who is set to return to London the following day.
The absence of Princess Ariane, who is currently studying in Italy, was noted during the celebrations. Her focus on education has kept her away from this year's events, but her sisters made sure to represent the family in style.
Fashion experts praised both princesses for their choices, with Alexia's outfit being highlighted as particularly trendsetting. Guusje Verhoef, a stylist, noted that leather jackets are making a comeback this year, especially vintage styles, and Alexia's look perfectly embodied this trend.
Overall, Koningsdag 2025 not only celebrated the birthday of King Willem-Alexander but also showcased the growing influence and popularity of the younger royals, particularly Princesses Amalia and Alexia. Their fashion choices, along with their increasing visibility in media and public interest, suggest a new era for the Dutch royal family, one that resonates well with younger audiences both in the Netherlands and abroad.
As the day drew to a close, the festive spirit remained high among the citizens of Doetinchem, who were thrilled to partake in the celebrations alongside their royal family. The event, marked by a blend of tradition and modernity, left a lasting impression, reinforcing the royal family's connection with the public and their adaptability to contemporary trends.
In conclusion, Koningsdag 2025 was not just another royal event; it was a vivid display of the Dutch monarchy's evolving image, led by the vibrant personalities of Princesses Amalia and Alexia. With their unique styles and growing popularity, they are certainly paving the way for a fresh chapter in the history of the Dutch royal family.