Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was in Den Haag (the Hague) on May 29, 2012, to open the 15th Edition of Den Haag Sculptuur Festival.

According to the official website for the exhibition and festival, Stichting Den Haag Sculptuur, the theme for this year’s exhibition is:

‘Rainbow Nation: Contemporary Sculpture from South Africa.’ With over fifty sculptures by South African artists from the last 60 years.  From the dark days of Apartheid through the achieved freedom in 1994 – the first elections for all races, with Mandela as president was elected to the current period of transformation. source 

The festival and exhibition ends on September 9, 2012.  For more information about Den Haag Sculptuur please click here.

Click here to watch a video.

Click here to view photos.

Sources: RVD and Stichting Den Haag Sculptuur

On May 29, 2012, Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands attended the oration of Professor, Dr. Gert van Dijk, held at the Nyenrode Business Universiteit in Breukelen.

According to a press release regarding today’s event, Dr. van Dijk was:

… appointed Professor at the University (Cooperative) Micro-financial Services in Developing Economies.  He is first chair holder attached to the Knowledge Centre for Cooperative Financial Services.

The Knowledge Centre for Cooperative Financial Services is decorated based on the results of a conference on micro-insurance and social responsibility of mutual and cooperative enterprises.

Princess Maxima has been invited to the oration in her capacity as a United Nations Adviser to Inclusive Finance and in its function as a member of the Netherlands from Dutch Committee for Entrepreneurship and Financing. source

To view photos from today’s event please click the links below.

• Gallery One
• Gallery Two

Sources: RVD and Nyenrode Business Universiteit

On May 24, 2012, His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje visited the Wetsus Water Technology in Leeuwarden alongside the President of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Mr. Robbert Dijkgraaf, and several other VIPs.

Per the official website for Wetsus:

… after an introduction, the group started an extensive lab tour. Six research topics were highlighted and the prince interacted with the researchers about their project. The prince was informed about the newest developments in water technology.

Research topics included in the tour were: “The Inner Structure of the Water Bridge”, “Recovery of Energy from Separated Urine”, “Improvements for Blue Energy”, “Water Saving in Households”, “Breakthrough in Desalination” and “Water Harvesting from Air”.   

Click here to view photos.

Click here to watch a video.

Sources: RVD and Wetsus.nl

Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands was in Amsterdam on May 23, 2012, to attend the opening of the new location for the Appel Arts Centre (AAC).

Upon her arrival she was greeted by the Queen’s Commissioner of North Holland, Mr. Johan Remkes, Deputy Mayor, Carolien Gehrels, and staff from the AAC.

During her visit the princess was given a tour of the new building as well as a private tour of the new exhibition, Topsy Turvy, Leve de Omgekeerde Wereld.  

For more information about the Appel Arts Centre and the new exhibition, which ends on September 23, 2012, please visit their official website click here.

Click the links below to view photos.

• Gallery One
• Gallery Two

Sources: RVD and deAppel.nl

On Tuesday, May 22, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was in Leeuwarden to official open the new Fryslân provincial house.

Upon her arrival, Her Majesty was greeted by hundreds of well-wishers, local dignitaries as well as a large choir of singers.  According to RVD, the provincial house “…comprises of new construction and partly restored buildings with large open spaces…”

Click the links below to view photos.

• Gallery One
• Gallery Two

Source: RVD

Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands was at the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in Den Haag to attend the oration of Professor Stella Quimbo to the Prince Claus Chair (PCC).

According to the official website for the PCC:

The curatorium of the Prince Claus Chair in Equity and Development has appointed Stella Luz A. Quimbo from the Philippines as the new holder of the Prince Claus Chair 2011/2013. In her academic work, she focuses on Public Health, Health Economics and Development. Stella Quimbo will be based at ISS from May to July 2012. source

To learn more about the Prince Claus Chair for Development and Equity as well as about Professor Quimbo please click here.

Click here to view photos.

Sources: RVD/HKH and the Prince Claus Chair for Development and Equity

Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands was in Amersfoort to attend the inauguration of the CliniClowns College on May 16, 2012.

According to NOS, the CliniClowns College:

… offers more than 100,000 sick and/or disabled children a chance to get them out of their daily environment, to offer them fun as well as distraction so they can be carefree…

More than 70 professional CliniClowns put on performances in 100 hospitals and care institutions throughout the Netherlands…

Click the links below to watch a video as well as to view photos.

• VIDEO
• Gallery One
• Gallery Two

Sources: RVD/HKH and NOS.nl