Category Archives: Dutch Royal Family

Dutch Royal Family

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Along With T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands Visit Oman: Day One (VIDEOS)

On January 10, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands began their three-day state visit to Oman.

Upon their arrival the royal trio were greeted by Sultan Qaboos Bin Said as well as Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al-Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed al-Nu’amani, Royal Office Minister at the Muscat Museum Gate.  From their the Sultan guided Her Majesty to Al Alam Palace Guest House Square, while “…a group of horsemen escorted the motorcade from Muscat Gate up to the Al Alam Palace Gate where the National Anthem of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was played while the artillery fired a 21 gun salute for the Queen.”

Once inside the Al Alam Palace Her Majesty and the Sultan as well as the prince and princess along with the Dutch delegation sat down for a meeting whereupon they discussed “…good relations binding the Sultanate and the Kingdom of the Netherlands…”  Discussions also included the role of women in Oman as well as deepening trade relations with the Netherlands.

Afterward, the royal trio had a chance to visit the Beit Al Zubair museum in Muscat.  In the evening there was a gala dinner at the palace.  Prior to the lavish gala, Sultan Qaboos  conferred the “Renaissance Grand Order” on His Royal Highness Prince William Alexander and the Sultan Qaboos Order “First Class” to Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima. In return, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix also, “conferred orders to the Sultan as well as to various ministers and officials in the Sultanate.”

To watch videos as well as to view photos please click the links below:

Sources OMA News, Oman Observer, NOS and Gulf News 

Photo courtesy of Gulf News

Dutch Royal Family

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands Continue Their Visit to the U.A.E.: Day Two (VIDEOS)

On January 9, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands continued their two-day state visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The day began with a visit to Masdar City a “…multifaceted renewable energy company…” in Abu Dhabi.  The purpose of their visit was to attend an economic roundtable meeting to discuss “…possible strategic co-operations in a bid to promote and facilitate mutually beneficial economic relationships…” between the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.

After the meeting and presentation the royal trio and their delegation travelled to Dubai where Her Majesty met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai at Zaabeel Palace.

Also in attendance were Her Majesty’s Dutch business delegation, T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands and Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as Dubai’s Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed “… stressed the importance of the royal visit, which paves the way for opening new horizons for cultural, economic and political cooperation.”  Her Majesty agreed.  She also noted her admiration for what the U.A.E. has accomplished in the past 40 years as well as for their leadership.

Afterward, the royal trio took a boat tour around the harbor in Dubai, and as they were about to dock the yacht became stuck due to the low tide.  After twenty minutes all was well.

Tomorrow, the royal trio will visit Oman.

To watch a video as well as to view photos please click the links below:

Sources: Khaleej Times, Emirates 247, Associated Press

Photo courtesy of Emirates 247

Dutch Royal Family

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands Visit Abu Dhabi: Day One (VIDEOS)

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On January 8, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands along with T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands began their state visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In the morning, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix along with the prince and princess were officially welcomed to the U.A.E. by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Mushrif Palace. Also, in attendance were Dutch Foreign Minister, Uriel Rosenthal, as well as local and Dutch dignitaries.

During the welcoming meeting between Her Majesty and His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan gifts were exchanged.  The Queen presented His Highness with the most highest and prestigious honours in the Kingdom of Netherlands “…Grand Cross of the Dutch Lion…”    In return, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa presented Her Majesty with the “…Order of Zayed, one of the United Arab Emirates’ highest civil decorations accorded to kings and heads of state…” The Order was also given to T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima.

Later, the royal trio visited the Sheikh Al Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.  During their visit they toured the library as well as resting place of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Afterward, the Queen, the prince and princess along with the Dutch business delegation accompanying the royal trio visited the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).  Upon their arrival they were met by the director of ADNOC, Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi and numerous CEO’s.  From there the royal trio were given a tour of the facility and more.

To watch several videos as well as to view photos from today’s event please click the link below:

Sources: Associated Press, WAM, Khaleej Times

Photo courtesy of Daylife/R.Utrecht/AFP

Dutch Royal Family

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands Arrive in Abu Dhabi (VIDEO)

On January 7, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, T.R.H.s Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands arrived in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. to begin their two-day state visit to the region.

On Tuesday, January 12, 2012 the royal trio along with their business delegation will travel to Oman at the invitation of Sultan bin Said al-Said Quaboos.

Click here and here to view photos.

Click the links below to watch videos:


Dutch Royal Family

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Expresses Her Concerns for the Environment in Her Annual Christmas Speech (VIDEO)

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Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands delivered her annual Christmas speech on December 25, 2011 where she expressed her concerns for the future of the environment (rough translation):

Christmas, the festival of light in darkness, raises the expectation of peace and goodwill. Just today, the desire to help us be accompanied feelings of discontent and uneasiness to overcome us and to work for a living in harmony with fellow human beings and nature.

Many in our world live in tension and uncertainty about existence. Anxiety and concern for the morrow dominate in Europe and in our country. Care is not just about individual welfare but the welfare of all and the stewardship of the earth. With our precious planet is handled carelessly and what they give us is poorly distributed. Poverty and inequality affect the quality of life and threaten social solidarity. Selfishness and the desire to create abundance blind to damage to our natural environment and undermine community. View of the finiteness of what the earth can give, and on the sustainability of society searching.

No country can benefit from it when people only focus on personal gain. In determining the value of all funds should be more than just money. Sigh money and enrich themselves distort the purpose of the economy. To the distress of those who do not speak for themselves can not be ignored. Everyone should be able to participate in wealth-sharing so that human welfare is always connected to the public interest. Moreover, in every decision the quality of the future count. Which lies in protecting nature and the environment, respect for the cultural heritage and recognition of the intangible values that give meaning to civilization. The decisions that are made now is the life of those who come after us in the game, therefore no one should close their eyes. With knowledge and information we can arm ourselves. This fear may not be the motive, but a new sense of universal responsibility.

In the Earth Charter is worded this principle: “The earth, our home is a unique community. The global natural environment with its finite resources is everyone’s concern. Protecting the vitality, diversity and beauty of the earth is a holy mission. ” “Sustainability” is called today. This requires not only new requirements and rules for sustainability but also consciously dealing with all that nature gives us. The earth that nourishes life but can not speak for themselves, must voice. In all small and large decisions that will have to be reflected.

Encouraging the many initiatives for good intentions into practice. Economical use of energy and water is available to all. Critical awareness and buy show the whole range of goods and services to influence. Entrepreneurs focus more and more responsible production and take into account the climatic effects. Many people work towards the conservation and teach children closely at the irreplaceable treasures of the earth. For the connection between agriculture and environment put many will enthusiastically. In all these possibilities, we can address each other. Old and new media information and call us to take responsibility, each at their own level. What starts in the small can grow into a new culture of concern for the future. Who wants to change the world, must simply begin with himself.

All those hopeful inspire change from society get less attention in the news than worrying about money and good. A diffuse sense of unease characterizes the confidence crisis of our time. In daily work is often a shortage of experienced vision and ideals. Lack of space for individual responsibility discourages its use. Feelings of anger and powerlessness call aversion to rhetoric and rules. But fight or flight overlooking reform of structures and lifestyles. The challenge is to do something themselves, along with others and involvement in the community. Everywhere people are already taking their own initiatives to a more conscious way of life. This offers hope for a new perspective. It is the youngsters who encourage us to do so today. The force of conviction, courage and confidence they seek allies and inspire their environment with a positive momentum.

Mahatma Gandhi once said: ‘The earth has enough for everyone’s need but not for everyone’s greed.’ As creatures endowed with reason and conscience may be requested from us that we translate this into daily care for the earth and commitment to a just society. Connection with the neighbor and the world around us is Jesus himself lived. The message of peace and goodwill to our Christmas uittillen above the fear and uncertainty of these times. Let us say what we hope and do what we can.

I wish you all a blessed Christmas!

To watch a video of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix’s speech please click the link below:

Kersttoespraak Koningin in 2011 

Photo courtesy of Het Koninklijk Huis

Dutch Royal Family

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Attends the Reopening of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam (VIDEO)

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was in Amsterdam on December 20, 2011, to attend the reopening of the Portuguese Synagogue.  During the reopening the Queen toured the famous Ets Haim library where over 560 manuscripts are held dating from 1280.  The synagogue was designed Dutch architect Elias Bouman and completed in 1675.  Two years ago, the seventeenth-century synagogue was in dire need of restoration specifically the building’s foundation.

To learn more about the Portuguese Synagogue please visit their official website here.

To watch a video please click here.