The Netherlands is celebrating Amsterdam’s anniversary. The city was founded in 1275, the date of a letter in which Count Floris V exempted its residents from paying tolls to trade on his lands. This document marks the first mention of the city, which has evolved without losing its roots, grown over the centuries, and become one of the most popular tourist destinations thanks to its canals, architecture, tolerance, and history. Seven hundred and fifty years have passed since then, a milestone celebrated by King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Amalia.
The celebrations began exactly a year ago, with twelve months of cultural events that culminated on October 27. The closing took the form of a concert, where the King, Queen, and heir to the throne were lively and fully engaged. From the moment they arrived, welcomed by Mayor Femke Halsema, they kept moving to the rhythm of Dutch music stars of every genre, from pop to more classical sounds.
The members of the Royal Family chose outfits full of personality for the concert. The Princess of Orange’s look was a true tribute to history, specifically to the women in her life. She wore a green dress with feathers on the skirt that was first worn by her grandmother, Princess Beatrix, and later by her mother. The look was a beautiful tribute to the past on a day of celebration. Queen Máxima opted for a brown jumpsuit, covered up due to Amsterdam’s chilly weather, with temperatures around 9 degrees and intermittent showers since early morning.
It was an intergenerational gathering where the past, present, and future came together through their shared love for Amsterdam, a city that is much more than the capital of the Netherlands. Princess Alexia could not attend the celebration, as she is studying civil engineering at the prestigious University College London (UCL), while Princess Ariane is taking a gap year after completing the International Baccalaureate at the United World College Adriatic. Among the 1,500 guests were public officials and the royals’ influencer niece, Countess Eloise of Orange.
Bente, Roxeanne Hazes, Yves Berendse, Remy van Kesteren, Karsu, Kris Kross Amsterdam, Maan, Willeke Alberti, and Wibi Soerjadi were just some of the artists who took the stage at Museumplein, the city’s cultural heart surrounded by museums. Actors Holly Mae Brood and Daan Schuurmans, one of the most beloved couples in Dutch entertainment, served as hosts for this unforgettable evening. She is the daughter of artist and musician Herman Brood and has gained international attention for her role in Erotic Lines on Netflix.
Before what was known as the National Celebration, the King, Queen, and Princess of Orange shared a thoughtful moment with citizens who helped make Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations unforgettable. At the Van Gogh Museum, they thanked young people who took part in the Cruyff Street League street soccer tournament, amateur dancers involved in the Heel Amsterdam Danst project, and scientists who worked on the facial reconstruction of the oldest known inhabitant of Amsterdam.
At the end of the evening, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands took center stage. Joined by his wife and daughter, he pressed the button that symbolically lit up the city of Amsterdam. A fireworks display accompanied the moment, inspiring applause and cheers from the Dutch crowd. Even the members of the Royal Family were surprised and watched in awe.