queensday

 

Image via here
Also for more information on today's Royal program visit this website

Today is last Queensday. 

Queen Beatrix will step down and her son Willem-Alexander will become King of the Netherlands, and of course of our beautiful islands as well. 

The island is showing signs of orange, Willemstad has been decorated and my orange outfit is ready to go! 

Have a great day.
And if you are by chance in Amsterdam today......Enjoy, I am sure it will be exquisite!

xx

Pris

queen beatrix

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix

House of Orange-Nassau

Queen Beatrix announced today that she will abdicate on April 30 after 33 years as head of state, clearing the way for her eldest son, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, to become the nation's first king in more than a century, since King Willem III,w ho died in 1890.It is an end to the reign of one of Europe's longest-serving monarchs, whose time on the throne was marked by tumultuous shifts in Dutch society. The queen's abdication from the largely ceremonial role had been widely expected, but it is sure to bring an outpouring of sentimental and patriotic feelings among the Dutch, most of whom adore Beatrix.

a touch of holland

Image via own collection 

Spakenburg, The Netherlands

Wonderful small town. 

tulips

Images via here

Paintings by Anna Arcese

My parents are in The Netherlands for a few days and today visited a wonderful gallery/chocolaterie (is there a better combination) in Leiden. Anna Arcese has some beautiful paintings, also of tulips. Visit her website for some more great pieces. I especially love the first one.