King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands celebrated his 58th birthday on Sunday, April 27th, 2025. The festivity follows king’s Day festivities held the previous day in Doetinchem, where the royal family engaged with local culture and traditions.

While the Government Facts Service remained silent on the King’s private plans for his actual birthday, the previous day’s celebrations offered a glimpse into the monarch’s connection with his people. The King’s youngest daughter, Ariane, was notably absent, as she was occupied with her Italian language studies and exams.

King’s Day Celebrations in Doetinchem

King’s Day, a national holiday in the Netherlands, is traditionally marked by widespread festivities, including street markets, concerts, and displays of national pride. In Doetinchem, the royal family was treated to a showcase of the Achterhoek region’s cultural vibrancy. Performances by local artists such as Normal and Suzan & Freek highlighted the area’s unique identity.

The day provided an opportunity for the royal company to experience the local “sports, culture and art from the Achterhoek.” Celebrations like King’s Day foster national unity, an idea that resonates even in the United States, where community events and national holidays are vital for social cohesion.

Embedded below are highlights from the King’s Day celebrations in Doetinchem:

King Reflects on National Unity

Reflecting on King’s Day, Willem-Alexander expressed his appreciation for the event’s significance. He described the visit as “a fantastic party” and emphasized the importance of national celebrations in a world grappling with division.

In conversation, he shared that