King Willem-Alexander has been the king of the Netherlands since 2013. He is the eldest son of Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus, and his birth on April 27, 1967, is the basis for the grand celebration we now know as King’s Day. Previously, Queen’s Day was celebrated on April 30 to honor Queen Juliana’s birthday, but with Willem-Alexander’s accession to the throne, we celebrate it on his own birthday. In the Netherlands, it is a major holiday: all over the country, you can see singing, dancing, and lively flea markets where everyone sells their goods.

Before he became king, Willem-Alexander was known for his laid-back style and passion for sports, particularly ice skating and sailing, which stood out. He even participated in the Elfstedentocht! But he did so incognito under the name “W. A. van Buren,” a historical title in his family, a beautiful piece of royal tradition.

King’s Day is also a day that truly showcases the importance of the royal family and national culture in the Netherlands. Everyone wears something orange, and it seems as if the entire country turns into one big orange festivity. It is truly a day of coming together, where you can feel and celebrate the colorful Dutch culture and unity. It’s a tradition as vibrant as the people celebrating it.