Saturday, August 30, 2014

200th Anniversary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands


Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa are in the Dutch town of Maastricht today, where they participated in an event marking the 200th anniversary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands alongside King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, as well as German President Joachim Gauck and his partner Daniela Schadt. While the Grand Duchess sported an outfit which looks like a creation by Natan, the Grand Duke honoured his hosts by chosing a Nassau-coloured tie.



The event today under the motto "Hello World" is part of a series of Dutch celebrations marking the 200th anniverary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which already started last year and will run till next year. Together the with their guests from their two neighbouring countries, Germany and Belgium, as well as Luxembourg, the Dutch royal couple enjoyed a musical fashion and art show to kick off the days celebrations. The fashion-art show is currently being followed by a congress at the Vrijthof Theatre entitled "Hello World!: Reflections on the Netherlands" including a speech by the German President.



After a short visit to the Preuvenemint, Maastricht’s annual culinary festival, the royal and presidential visitors will proceed to the Gouvernement aan de Maas (offices of the provincial government), where they will be greeted by a delegation from the citizens’ militia, the St Caecilia Royal Brass Band from Puth and giant puppets. The visit by the four heads of state will close with a dinner organised by the provincial government.

More pictures of the day can be found at ANP #1, ANP #2, RTL Nieuws, Belga and probably all over the (Dutch-speaking) internet.

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