Today the Dutch are celebrating the 56th birthday of their monarch, who has been in office for almost ten years to the day. But due to various missteps, little is left of Willem-Alexander’s popularity.
On April 30, 2013, Willem-Alexander and his wife Maxima walk with their heads held high through the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. The then 46-year-old heir to the throne took his oath of office in front of the members of parliament and royal celebrities from all over Europe.
The once party-loving “Prinz Pilsje” becomes the respectable King Willem-Alexander. Today, ten years later, the monarch remembers a wonderful day with a very special atmosphere:
I remember one moment well: I was standing there, the hymn was being sung in church, and I had a kind of ‘out-of-body experience’, like I was floating above myself. And I thought, for heaven’s sake, what are you doing here? And who do you actually think you are?
At the beginning of Willem-Alexander’s reign, the royal family was much more popular than it is today.
In the pandemic from one blunder to the next
The royal couple enjoys the highest popularity ratings at this time. Little will change for a long time – until the corona pandemic breaks out and the royals make one mistake after another. A trip to Greece while the population has to stay at home and a big party for the Crown Princess’ 18th birthday despite contact restrictions.
Added to this is the indulgence in luxury with swanky holiday homes and expensive yachts. Resentment spreads among the subjects.
“I thought it was a shame that he was in Crete or Greece, although we should all stay at home because of Corona. We all had to stick to it,” says a woman. And one man says: “It’s part of our history, but otherwise not important to me. I could do without a monarchy, but it’s part of our country.”
After harsh criticism, the Dutch royal family canceled a vacation trip to Greece that they had taken despite the Corona crisis – and tried to explain themselves in a video message.
“Now the theater has become the main thing”
According to a survey, 55 percent of Dutch people trust the monarchy. Ten years ago it was 75 percent. The role of the king has also changed, says author and publicist Geert Mak. Unlike his mother Beatrix, Willem-Alexander has hardly any political influence. He is above all the representative of the country – with all the splendor and glory that distinguishes a monarchy.
“This is the theater of the state,” says Mak. “I say that with all due respect, because it’s hard work. But what’s missing today is the political aspect. Beatrix still played an important role politically. Now the theater has become the main thing.”
“Often very nice, very empathetic”
He wants to create connections and show what unites society – in good times and bad, said Willem Alexander at his coronation. The royal house expert Jozephine Trehy certifies that he has succeeded in doing so. The royal couple often mingle with the people, visit companies, hospitals, care facilities and schools. So it is close to the people.
“If you see in the polls how people describe the king, he is often very nice, very empathetic and compassionate,” said the expert. People have pictures of sporting events in mind, where he cheers exuberantly, or of King’s Day, where you can always see him cheerful.
It will be the same this Thursday when the king and his entourage visit Rotterdam. “Lang zal hij leven” will be sung by the subjects on the occasion of the monarch’s 56th birthday.
And “Koningsdag” is not only celebrated in the port metropolis. Throughout the country there are folk festivals and flea markets, lots of music and plenty to drink. And for the Orangemen a good chance to regain lost sympathy.