The Dutch royal family made a grand appearance in Doetinchem on April 26, 2025, to celebrate King’s Day, a day marked by both festivities and reflection. The royal family’s arrival came on the heels of a poignant morning dedicated to honoring the late Pope Francis, whose funeral took place at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Due to the funeral, the celebrations in Doetinchem commenced over an hour later than originally planned, starting at noon. King Willem-Alexander delivered a heartfelt video message to the nation prior to their arrival, emphasizing the significance of the day, which he described as having “two faces.” In his message, he reflected on the spirit of community embodied by Pope Francis, stating, “The community spirit of Pope Francis is also a hallmark of King’s Day.” He praised the Pope as “a man who embraced everyone through his faith,” and underscored the importance of love and humanity during these uncertain times.
As the royal family arrived, they were greeted by a lively performance from the Achterhoek rock band Normaal, who played their hit song “Oerend Hard.” The royals, including King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, Princess Amalia, and Princess Alexia, joined in singing along enthusiastically. Princess Ariane was notably absent from the festivities due to her exam commitments at the United World College Adriatic in Italy.
Mayor Mark Boumans of Doetinchem welcomed the royal family, expressing gratitude for their visit and the opportunity to celebrate King’s Day in the city. He acknowledged the day’s dual significance, linking the joy of the festivities with the somber remembrance of Pope Francis. “We hope to show you today that we are connected with each other,” Boumans said.
The celebrations featured a variety of events, including a King’s Day quiz held at the Kleine Vijverberg stadium, specifically constructed for the occasion. The royal family participated in the quiz, which was designed to showcase local sports talent and engage with the community. King Willem-Alexander remarked on the impressive display of unity and spirit shown by the people of Doetinchem, stating, “We are eternally grateful. It was fantastic.”
Throughout the day, the royal family engaged with local residents and enjoyed various performances, including a musical ode to the Achterhoek region. The atmosphere in Doetinchem was festive, with many locals and visitors participating in the celebrations. The temperature reached a pleasant 17 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal day for outdoor festivities.
However, the celebrations were not without challenges. In Amsterdam and other major cities, officials urged people not to travel due to overwhelming crowds. The municipality of Amsterdam specifically requested that visitors avoid the city center, which was bustling with King’s Day revelers. The authorities had anticipated a significant influx of visitors, leading to preemptive advisories to stay away from busy areas.
Despite the congestion in larger cities, the festivities in Doetinchem proceeded smoothly. The royal family’s presence brought a sense of excitement to the local community, as they interacted with residents and celebrated the day’s events. The King and Queen took part in various sports activities and games, showcasing their competitive spirit and engagement with the community.
As the day concluded, King Willem-Alexander expressed his gratitude for the organization of the events, particularly in light of the last-minute adjustments necessitated by the Pope’s funeral. He noted, “That’s not a simple time change in a schedule. Everything had to be fundamentally rearranged.” He also addressed the German attendees, acknowledging their presence and the friendship fostered over the past eighty years of peace and freedom.
In addition to the royal family's activities, the celebrations across the Netherlands included lively markets, performances, and community gatherings. Many cities, while facing overcrowding, still managed to host their own unique festivities, celebrating the spirit of King’s Day.
As the royal family departed from Doetinchem, they left behind a community filled with joy and a renewed sense of connection. The day, while marked by the loss of Pope Francis, also served as a reminder of the importance of unity and community spirit, resonating with the King’s message. “Let’s hold on to that. Let’s show that every day of the year,” he concluded, encapsulating the essence of the day.
