Old Style Queen’s Day to Mark Queen Juliana’s 100th Birthday

To mark the 100th anniversairy of Queen Juliana of The Netherlands, the traditional defilé will return on Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag). April 30th is the official birthday of Queen Beatrix, which she celebrates on the date of her mother’s birthday. When queen Juliana was still reigning this day was traditionally celebrated with a defilé at Soestdijk Palace. During the defilé, a  colorful parade of people representing various aspects of Dutch society would pass the steps of the palace, where queen Juliana and her family accepted flowers and gifts. Queen Beatrix however changed this day and decided to visit two cities each year, where the family would celebrate this day with the inhabitants.

The defilé won’t be held at Soestdijk Palace though, but at Palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn. Only inhabitants of Apeldoorn and the eleven surrounding villages will be able to participate in the delfilé, though spectators from all over the country will lining the route. After the defilé is over the queen will open a special exhibition at the palace about her mother.

Filed under Historical Royals, The Netherlands
Tagged Koningsdag, National Day, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.