King Willem-Alexander celebrates Königstag: absence at Pope Berdigung!

King Willem-Alexander celebrates Königstag: absence at Pope Berdigung!

Doetinchem, Niederlande - Today, on April 23, 2025, King Willem-Alexander announced that he will not take part in the funeral of Pope Francis. Instead, he will celebrate the King Day, one of the most important national holidays in the Netherlands, on April 26, 2025 in Doetinchem. Traditionally, heads of state take part in the burials of popes. However, it was not mentioned in the communication of the royal family whether Queen Máxima will take part in the funeral in Rome or stay in doetinchem.

The Dutch government will be represented in Rome by Prime Minister Schoof and Foreign Minister Veldkamp. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima had already announced her concern about the Pope's death on April 21. The celebrations for the royal day in Doetinchem begin at 12 noon. This is done to take into account the funeral in Rome, which takes place at 10 a.m.

Kingstag: A symbol of national unity

The King Day, known as Koningsdag, falls on April 27, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. If this falls on a Sunday, the public holiday is brought forward to April 26th. On this day, the Dutch traditionally wear orange clothes, which symbolizes the color of the Royal House of Orania. Parades, folk festivals, concerts and flea markets take place throughout Holland, whereby the flea markets are tax -free and enable everyone to sell without permission.

In addition, digital apps have played an important role in organizing the events. The King Day has historical roots that go back to 1889 when the Princess Day was celebrated. In 1891 he was renamed the Queen's Day and then legally recognized in 1948. The holiday stands for national unity and attachment to the royal family.

economic importance and security

The royal family visits another city every year to take part in the celebrations, which also has economic effects. The Royal Day significantly increases sales in retail and tourism sector. In order to ensure security during celebrations, increased police presence, access controls and the latest surveillance technology are used.

In addition, Dutch abroad also celebrate the royal day, often with various events or online celebrations. Even though the King's Day has adapted to different circumstances over time, it remains an integral part of Dutch culture and a way to demonstrate the connection to the royal family. Like Gala and Niedlandet report this holiday both cultural and economic importance in society. This also makes it clear that despite the sad circumstances that the Pope's death, the King's Day remains an important event in the Dutch annual agenda.