King Willem-Alexander leads Dutch royals at Koningsdag celebrations – but why did Princess Ariane miss out?
King Willem-Alexander was joined by his family on Saturday as they gathered to mark his birthday celebrations on Koningsdag.
Although Koningsdag is traditionally held on the King’s birthday, which is 27 April, it is celebrated on a Saturday if the date is a Sunday. As a result of the celebrations, Willem-Alexander and the rest of the Dutch royal family missed the funeral of Pope Francis, which was held on the same day.
© Getty ImagesHowever, in a mark of respect, the celebrations were postponed for an hour to allow television broadcasts of the funeral.
Willem-Alexander was joined by members of his immediate and wider family at the event, including Queen Maxima, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia, Princess Laurentien, Prince Floris and Princess Aimee.
Missing princess
There was one conspicuous absence from the celebrations, as Willem-Alexander and Maxima’s youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, didn’t attend the service.
© Mark CuthbertAriane is currently abroad as she studies at United World College Adriatic in Italy. The 18-year-old royal is no doubt deep in her studies with her final exams fast approaching.
Best photos
Keep scrolling to see the best photos from this year’s Koningsdag…
© Getty ImagesWhat an entrance!
Willem-Alexander arrived alongside his wife, Queen Maxima, and eldest daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia.
© Getty ImagesCatharina-Amalia’s fashion
The Princess of Orange was absolutely stunning in her baby blue mini dress as she waved at onlookers.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Alexia’s fashion
Alexia gave us hell for leather in her daring leather jacket. The teenage royal also wore a white shirt and black skirt.
© Getty ImagesMaxima’s stunning look
Not to be outdone by her daughters, Maxima also wore quite the outfit, styling out a navy-blue dress that featured pockets.
© Getty ImagesWillem-Alexander’s celebrations
The Dutch monarch was savouring every moment as crowds cheered.
© Getty ImagesBirthday speech
As is tradition, Willem-Alexander delivered a speech as he celebrated his birthday.
© Getty ImagesWider family
The celebrations involve the whole family, and Willem-Alexander’s cousin Prince Floris attended alongside his wife Princess Aimee.
© Getty ImagesBlown away!
Queen Maxima was blown away at one of their events. Just look at her expression!
© Getty ImagesPrince of football
Prince Floris appeared to be a dab hand at football as he partook in the recreational activity.
© Getty ImagesTaking a shot
Floris wasn’t the only one who played football, as Willem-Alexander took a strike at an open goal.
© Getty ImagesJudging
Willem-Alexander was joined by his sister-in-law, Princess Laurentien, and daughter, Princess Alexia, behind a judge’s panel. The trio seemed to be having a lot of laughs behind the desk.
