“Many, many, many thanks,” King Willem-Alexander began his closing speech to the Drenthe residents and the organization who turned out en masse to attend King’s Day.
“Emmen has shown that it is an incredibly strong city where all kinds of things happen. If something is good, they say here: ‘it could have been done less’. Well, Emmen, it could have been done much less. Thank you!”, said the king, who indicated that Emmen had planted ‘a seed’ in him.
Halfway through the trip, the king was asked what opinion he had developed about the city, which can usually be found in the depths of the quality of life lists. “Those lists are completely wrong. It is an incredibly beautiful place to work, live and recreate. Everyone who lives here can be very proud of what happens here.”
Queen Máxima added a few things. “We spoke to a few people from the cultural sector, who were not originally from Drenthe. They told us that they consciously came to Drenthe for the peace, space and inspiration. And of course not to forget the ‘naoberhood’. Apparently there is an atmosphere some magic in the air here.”
After a tour of more than two hours through various parts of the city, the king ended at the Raadhuisplein and concluded with anointing words for the city of Drenthe. “On behalf of my family, I thank you. You have planted a seed in me. Every time I return to the province or to Emmen I say: ‘I’m coming from here'”, referring to the song that singer Daniël Lohues sang a few minutes earlier. for the Royal family and Emmen.
