Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
DORDRECHT, Netherlands (AP) — The Netherlands turned out in orange on Monday and the famed national football team wasn't even playing. Monarch Willem-Alexander turned 48 and the whole country celebrated King's Day.
The national holiday brought the king to Dordrecht, a city close to the port of Rotterdam, to set off a full day of celebrations under sunny skies among thousands of well-wishers in orange-colored outfits.
The celebrations will end with hundreds of evening parties across the nation of 16.8 million. The highlight of the daytime celebrations was an armada of pleasure boats going down the river as Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and their three daughters were taken around in a vessel turned out with orange flowers.
Celebrating the monarch's anniversary has been a tradition for several generations in the Netherlands.
In Amsterdam boats crammed the famed canals to join the party to honor the king.
"I am supporting our monarchy, they provide a good atmosphere and represent our country abroad in the best possible way," said student Rob Visser.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
