The Royal Family of The Netherlands, Current Events 1 (June 2003 - May 2006)

[Squidgy]

Originally Posted by Marengo

Yes, before it was a private residence of Queen Juliana. As she and Bernhard lived in seperate wings the entire palace was used, so not much space left for visitors

Oh I envy people that live in big houses. If they have a falling out with their spouse, they don't have to trouble themselves with such pesty things as divorces, they can just move their partner to a new wing of the house.

But in all seriousness, it is sad. I think of all the pictures we saw of the four young princesses playing in the palace grounds with their parents. They looked like one big happy family ... I was saddened to learn that in reality things weren't so blissful!

Still, in spite of the sad associations with the palace, I would love to be able to take a tour ... someday!

[Marengo]

well, the tour will only cost 12,50 euros, so don't let that stop you
First they have to 'prepare' the palace for the visitors, which will cost 4 million euros I believe (payed by the state), note that this isn't even a big renovation (it includes created a restaurant btw)!!!

[Squidgy]

Originally Posted by Marengo

well, the tour will only cost 12,50 euros, so don't let that stop you
First they have to 'prepare' the palace for the visitors, which will cost 4 million euros I believe (payed by the state), note that this isn't even a big renovation (it includes created a restaurant btw)!!!

(Well, after paying $1000 for airfare, another $20 or so, won't seem like so much money!)

Wow, they're adding a restaurant too! Sounds like they are trying their best to make it a long term tourist draw. That would be nice if it could generate enough money to remain open indefinately. It would be rather sad to see it have to be locked up permanently, or even sold into private hands (or is that even a possibility?). I guess there is no chance that one of the Queen's sons would move there? It is a pretty big place to house just one family nowadays.

[Marengo]

Well, the RF sold these palaces to the state, under the condition that the state will provide the housing for the King/Queen + spouse, the former King/Queen and spouse and the heir and spouse. So it won't be possible for Laurentien and Constantijn to live in Soestdijk (unless they buy it themselves).
I lost all hopes for the palace. The minister said that the RF didn't want to use the palace (the next 3 years anyway). I do not think Willem-Alexander and Maxima will move there, it is unhandy as they have to be in The Hague very often. The only thing I can hope for is that it will be the house for Queen Beatrix, after her abdication (if she abdicates at all), as the state has to provide for housing and Willem-Alexander and Maxima will probably move to Huis ten Bosch (the Queens present residence). But knowing Beatrix, she will probably do the modest thing and retreat to her beloved Drakenstein Castle.

The goverment obviously doesn't have a clue what to do with it, as they keep delaying any decision about it. To make it another long-term museum for the dynasty could be an option, the only problem is that we already have a splendid one in Apeldoorn, Palace Het Loo.

[princess olga]

Originally Posted by Marengo

Yes, before it was a private residence of Queen Juliana. As she and Bernhard lived in seperate wings the entire palace was used, so not much space left for visitors

Marengo--you happen to know whether they lived in separate wings right after the start of their marriage or whether they started living in opposite corners of the palace after Juliana was diagnosed with alzheimers somewhere in the nineties?

By the way, I grew up sort of in the neighborhood of Soestdijk (well actually, it was a 20 minute bike ride from my house--hah! it takes a Dutchie to express time vs distance in biking terms and I always always thought that building to be butt-ugly. Drakenstein, on the other hand, the miniature castle where Beatrix and Claus reared their three sons, I always thought was/is the epitome of modest but exquisite beauty--I hope Beatrix will live there again one day. Although if she would, she wouldn't have the option anymore to wander into her neighbor's garden--Soestdijk and Drakenstein's gardens border one another! Would be a little sad, what with her parents gone, and a bit isolated too.

[Marengo]

I believe they seperated during the crisis with faith-healer Greet Hofmans in the fifties. But I am sure Juliana preferred this seperate wing over the one Bernhard rented for her at the Ursula-clinic (according to the late Willem Oltmans anyway).

I agree, the building isn't very beautiful, but strangely I am attached to it and I get a 'warm' feeling when I see it (which I do not have when I see the other palaces). It is a rather friendly building.
Drakenstein seems somewhat lonely to me as well. Let's hope Beatrix will retreat to Soestdijk Palace and Constantijn and Laurentien will take up residence at Drakenstein, so Eloise, Claus-Casimir and no3 can wonder into their grandmothers garden and she can pamper them as much as she wants.

[purple_platinum]

The Oranjes out & about again... what an active royal family!

April 28, 2006, Enschede.
Today, Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven is officially Prof. mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven.
He gave his first oration at Universiteit Twente (UT) in Enschede.
His wife, sons, and daughters-in-law (minus Anita) attended the event, along with Queen Beatrix, Prince Willem Alexander & Princess Irene.

more information here : http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/content.jsp?objectid=15738

and first pictures from ANP :

[purple_platinum]

more... from royalimages & the last one is from ANP of Beatrix's car

[purple_platinum]

the last ones from royalimages :



and here he is... Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven


(photos from ANP)

[Squidgy]

Fabulous, fabulous pictures Purple Platinum!:)

It's so nice to see so many members of the RF together at such a big event for Pieter ... it gives us a good preview for tomorrow.

The first picture posted is probably as close to a "Margriet & Pieter" family portrait as we are going to get this year! (minus Anita, of course).

[Adry]

PPE

[Adry]

PPE

[Adry]

PPE

[bigheadshirmp]

why is anita missing??? is she sick or sth? or..maybe pregnant -->hoping:) (so not feeling well??)

[Emily]

Great photos, Jess and Adry! Thank you so much. This was a nice "run up" to tomorrow's festivities!

[Alexandria]

Thank you everyone for all these wonderful pictures of Pieter van Vollenhoven's special day! :) It's nice to see Pieter's sons and their wives, and of course Margriet, but also Beatrix, Willem and Maxima and even Irene come out to support Pieter, especially in light of his recent cancer diagnosis.

I love this (nearly) perfect family picture of the van Vollenhovens. If only Anita and the kids could be in it!

I also really love this picture of the three youngest van Vollenhoven sons (where was Muarits?). I love how their arms are linked -- clearly brothers who are close to each other.

[purple_platinum]

Princess Anita had the flu so she can't come.
I hope she gets better soon to join in the konninginedag.

I agree.. it almost like the perfect day for the Vollenhovens.
They must be so proud of Pieter. He has become such an important & respected man in the Dutch RF, probably most senior since beloved Claus is gone.

[purple_platinum]

a few more pictures from ANP :

Pieter's brother & his wife


Floris & Anita

Bernhard & Annette


Maurits & Marilene

[Princess_Beatrix]

Margriet looked fantastic! She looks so much better now then in her younger ages! :)
I really really like Pieter! It's so nice to see him and his whole family! :)

[purple_platinum]

several more from seegerpress :