Almost all the European monarchies have a national day. It is however not always a day the royal family of that country takes part in. I have thus far been to national days in the Netherlands, Belgium and Liechtenstein, but it would be interesting to be part of the other ones too. While some countries […]
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History Why does Luxembourg celebrate its National Day – and thus the official birthday of the Grand Duke – on 23 June? Since the late 18th century the monarch’s birthday has always been celebrated in Luxembourg, even in the 19th century when the King of the Netherlands was still Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Kinneksdag (King’s […]
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King’s Day 2018 in Groningen, The Netherlands, on 27 April 2018 – the 5th edition since Willem-Alexander became King of the Netherlands – ended at the Vismarkt. In 2004 the royals took the opposite direction: they startet at the Vismarkt and ended at the Grote Markt. Good that there was another route this time, with […]
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With King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and their daughters Amalia, Alexia and Ariane hardly visible on the side of the town hall, I decided to focus on the other family members attending King’s Day in Groningen, The Netherlands, on Friday. The passage was rather narrow, so they simply had to pass me. I think some colleagues […]
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Even as media you have to be patient nowadays when attending King’s Day in the Netherlands. I was at several Queen’s Day celebrations, but to be honest this year was my very first King’s Day. Lucky for me, because of my health, the Dutch royal family visited my city this year. Groningen coloured orange more […]
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As the media were waiting in the press area at the Grote Markt in Groningen, The Netherlands, on King’s Day on 27 April I looked up and noticed that the flag on the side of the town hall was not hanging correctly. A local photographer and I thought it was really not a good idea […]
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What to do in Groningen as soon as the Dutch royal family has left the city at the end of the King’s Day celebrations 2018? Knowing the fans they’d love to have something to eat and to drink first. Lots of possibilities in the city centre. My favourites would be (if they’re open): Dinercafé Soestdijk. De […]
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No other choice on King’s Day in Groningen, The Netherlands, on 27 April 2018 than to lead the Dutch royal family through the Oude Kijk in ‘t Jatstraat and the Stoeldraaierstraat to the Vismarkt. The streets have a few nice, somewhat alternative shops, but for shopping people it is usually not really the main choice. […]
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The Grote Markt is the main square in the middle of the city of Groningen, The Netherlands. After leaving the Martini Church this is where the Dutch royals walk to on King’s Day on 27 April 2018. Once presumably a wonderful square, I’ve never found it very beautiful. In the aftermath of World War II […]
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After the start of King’s Day 2018 on 27 April at the Prinsenhof in Groningen, The Netherlands, the Dutch royal family will visit the Martini Church. It’s distinctive tower is the heart of the centre of the city already for centuries. Here the royals will be met with culture and art. Hopefully they will also […]
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King’s Day 2018 in Groningen, the Netherlands, on 27 April will start at the Prinsenhof. Nowadays this part of the building is a nice hotel with a grand café and a restaurant. This is where King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima spent the night before their province visit to Groningen and Drenthe on 28 May 2013 […]
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On 27 April the Dutch royal family will celebrate King’s Day in the city of Groningen, where I live. I am not sure yet whether I can be there, because of my health, but I’ll do my best. This morning the weather was lovely, so I decided to go into town to walk the route […]
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Why does Liechtenstein celebrate its Staatsfeiertag (national day) on 15 August? The Assumption of Mary, on 15 August, has always been a feast day and also in Liechtenstein, a Catholic country, people had the day off. Fürst (Prince) Franz Joseph II had taken over the throne from his uncle Fürst Franz I in 1938. In […]
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On 15 August the Principality of Liechtenstein celebrates its national day, Staatsfeiertag, for the 77th time. Some unfortunate but understandable changes this year. More about that later. However already yesterday, 30 July, there was something to celebrate. Fürst Hans Adam II and Fürstin Marie von und zu Liechtenstein celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. At the […]
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