The Dutch have this weekend been celebrating their first ever King's Day.
Our next door neighbours have clad themselves in orange - the national colours of the Netherlands - to honour King Willem Alexander, who became king on 30th April last year after his mother, Queen Beatrice, abdicated.
King's Day replaces the traditional "Queens' Day" festival held this time of year, and the name change is the main difference. Willem Alexander is the first male monarch from the Netherlands' ruling House of Orange in living memory.
The day saw people around the Netherlands taking part in fun-filled events.
In Amsterdam, boats crammed the canals and people turned out in droves to sell bric-a-brac along sidewalks. In parks, kids set up do-it-yourself games like trying to jump and take a bite out of a cookie on a string — using no hands.
Dutch party down at 'King's Day' for new monarch
By Associated Press
26 April 2014
Daily Mail
AMSTERDAM (AP) — The Dutch donned orange-colored outfits and celebrated their first ever "King's Day" on Saturday — a national holiday held in honour of the Netherlands' newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander.
The festival, which will last until the early hours of Sunday, features open-air markets and concerts around the country. With sunny weather forecast, more than 1 million people are expected to attend in Amsterdam alone.
King's Day replaces the traditional "Queens' Day" festival held this time of year, and the name change is the main difference. Willem Alexander, who assumed the throne last year, is the first male monarch from the Netherlands' ruling House of Orange in living memory.
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/201...0e969dca67efa8b-6P7rbtnwrHSK2-890_634x442.jpg
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, and Queen Maxima walk with their children during festivities marking King's Day in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
"Why change something that's a success?" the king said in a speech in Amstelveen, which borders Amsterdam on the south, after proclaiming his day "unforgettable."
In a prerecorded message carried by national broadcaster NOS, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said "music and good times are everywhere: all the ingredients for a splendid day."
Earlier Saturday, Willem Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima visited the scenic village of De Rijp, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Amsterdam, together with their three daughters, Ariane, Alexia and heir apparent Amalia.
In Amsterdam, boats crammed the canals and people turned out in droves to sell bric-a-brac along sidewalks. In parks, kids set up do-it-yourself games like trying to jump and take a bite out of a cookie on a string — using no hands.
Police in the Sarphati park in the south of the city were seen ordering a hobbyist to stop flying a drone, apparently out of safety or privacy concerns.
People celebrate King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber
People celebrate King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
People celebrate King's Day at Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
Children sell their homemade food at the annual free market during festivities marking King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
A woman poses as a young girl looks on at the annual free market during festivities marking King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
Children wait for clients to buy their goods at the annual free market during festivities marking King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, right, waves to well wishers as Queen Maxima, left, looks on at the end of festivities marking King's Day in De Rijp, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, right, and Queen Maxima, left, listen to singing children during festivities marking King's Day in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, left and Queen Maxima, right, watching a group of Tango dancers during festivities marking King's Day in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
A girl prepares to sell her goods at the annual free market during festivities marking King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
Netherlands' former Queen, now known as Princess Beatrix, attends festivities marking King's Day in De Rijp (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, right, thanks well wishers as Queen Maxima, left, looks at festivities marking King's Day in De Rijp
People look out of windows to get a glimpse of Netherlands' King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima during King's Day in De Rijp, 22 miles north of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honour of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, center, and Queen Maxima, left, wave to well wishers at the end of festivities marking King's Day in De Rijp, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
People look out of windows to get a glimpse of Netherlands' King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima during King's Day in De Rijp, 36 22 miles north of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honour of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Read more: Dutch party down at 'King's Day' for new monarch | Mail Online
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Our next door neighbours have clad themselves in orange - the national colours of the Netherlands - to honour King Willem Alexander, who became king on 30th April last year after his mother, Queen Beatrice, abdicated.
King's Day replaces the traditional "Queens' Day" festival held this time of year, and the name change is the main difference. Willem Alexander is the first male monarch from the Netherlands' ruling House of Orange in living memory.
The day saw people around the Netherlands taking part in fun-filled events.
In Amsterdam, boats crammed the canals and people turned out in droves to sell bric-a-brac along sidewalks. In parks, kids set up do-it-yourself games like trying to jump and take a bite out of a cookie on a string — using no hands.
Dutch party down at 'King's Day' for new monarch
By Associated Press
26 April 2014
Daily Mail
AMSTERDAM (AP) — The Dutch donned orange-colored outfits and celebrated their first ever "King's Day" on Saturday — a national holiday held in honour of the Netherlands' newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander.
The festival, which will last until the early hours of Sunday, features open-air markets and concerts around the country. With sunny weather forecast, more than 1 million people are expected to attend in Amsterdam alone.
King's Day replaces the traditional "Queens' Day" festival held this time of year, and the name change is the main difference. Willem Alexander, who assumed the throne last year, is the first male monarch from the Netherlands' ruling House of Orange in living memory.
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/201...0e969dca67efa8b-6P7rbtnwrHSK2-890_634x442.jpg
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, and Queen Maxima walk with their children during festivities marking King's Day in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
"Why change something that's a success?" the king said in a speech in Amstelveen, which borders Amsterdam on the south, after proclaiming his day "unforgettable."
In a prerecorded message carried by national broadcaster NOS, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said "music and good times are everywhere: all the ingredients for a splendid day."
Earlier Saturday, Willem Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima visited the scenic village of De Rijp, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Amsterdam, together with their three daughters, Ariane, Alexia and heir apparent Amalia.
In Amsterdam, boats crammed the canals and people turned out in droves to sell bric-a-brac along sidewalks. In parks, kids set up do-it-yourself games like trying to jump and take a bite out of a cookie on a string — using no hands.
Police in the Sarphati park in the south of the city were seen ordering a hobbyist to stop flying a drone, apparently out of safety or privacy concerns.
People celebrate King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber
People celebrate King's Day at Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
Children sell their homemade food at the annual free market during festivities marking King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
A woman poses as a young girl looks on at the annual free market during festivities marking King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
Children wait for clients to buy their goods at the annual free market during festivities marking King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, right, waves to well wishers as Queen Maxima, left, looks on at the end of festivities marking King's Day in De Rijp, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, right, and Queen Maxima, left, listen to singing children during festivities marking King's Day in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, left and Queen Maxima, right, watching a group of Tango dancers during festivities marking King's Day in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
A girl prepares to sell her goods at the annual free market during festivities marking King's Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch celebrate the first ever King's Day, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Margriet Faber)
Netherlands' former Queen, now known as Princess Beatrix, attends festivities marking King's Day in De Rijp (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, right, thanks well wishers as Queen Maxima, left, looks at festivities marking King's Day in De Rijp
People look out of windows to get a glimpse of Netherlands' King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima during King's Day in De Rijp, 22 miles north of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honour of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Netherlands' King Willem Alexander, center, and Queen Maxima, left, wave to well wishers at the end of festivities marking King's Day in De Rijp, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honor of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
People look out of windows to get a glimpse of Netherlands' King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima during King's Day in De Rijp, 36 22 miles north of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 26, 2014. The Dutch marked King's Day on Saturday, a national holiday held in honour of the newly installed monarch, King Willem Alexander. King's Day replaces the traditional Queen's Day. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Read more: Dutch party down at 'King's Day' for new monarch | Mail Online
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