26 apr 2024 om 17:15 Update: 6 uur geleden
King Willem-Alexander will celebrate his birthday in Emmen on Saturday, with Queen Máxima and other members of the royal family. King’s Day has not always looked the same or had the same name over the past 139 years. This is how it used to be.
31 augustus 1885: Eerste Prinsessedag
De eerste Prinsessedag wordt georganiseerd ter ere van de vijfde verjaardag van prinses Wilhelmina. De nieuwe feestdag dient als moment om de nationale eenheid te versterken. Prinses Wilhelmina wordt op tienjarige leeftijd koningin, nadat haar vader overlijdt in november 1890.
Vanaf 1891 gaat de feestdag door het leven als Koninginnedag. Wilhelmina’s moeder, prinses Emma, regeert tot haar dochter achttien jaar is.
April 30, 1949: Juliana’s birthday
In 1949, Queen’s Day took place on April 30 instead of August 31, due to the accession of Queen Juliana. She wants to celebrate the holiday on her birthday just like her mother did.
Dutch people line up for miles along Soestdijk Palace to hand over flowers and gifts. Under Juliana, Queen’s Day becomes an official day off and a national holiday.
April 30, 1981: Beatrix’s birthday
Queen Beatrix decides not to change the date of Queen’s Day. She does this out of respect for her mother.
However, the content of the holiday is changing. Beatrix doesn’t want people to visit her; she wants to go to the people. For the first edition, Beatrix travels to the Zeeland municipality of Veere.
April 27, 2014: First King’s Day
With the succession to the throne of Willem-Alexander, the Queen’s Birthday period, which lasted 123 years, comes to an end.
In 2014, the Netherlands will have a king again for the first time and the name and date will change. From now on, the holiday will be called King’s Day and will take place on Willem-Alexander’s birthday: April 27.
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