King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima celebrate tomorrow with their families King’s Day in Doetinchem. A special day for the Achterhoek, but also for Mark Boumans who grew up in Exloo. Since May 2017 he is mayor of Doetinchem.
Doetinchem takes over the baton from Emmen, which organized the King’s Day in 2024. “We have had a lot of contact with Mayor Eric van Oosterhout. Emmen has shared plates and experiences with us, we are grateful for that.”
There was tension this week when the death of the pope may seemed to throw a spanner in the works. “We didn’t have provided that scenario,” says Boumans. “There has been good consultation with the Royal House, and it was finally decided to start King’s Day an hour later. For example, there is room to also highlight the death of the Pope.”
The program now starts at noon instead of 11 a.m., but just lasts as long. “We have a route of no less than 700 meters, full of culture, sports, music and regional stories,” says Boumans enthusiastically. “From club life to education, we show what makes this region so special.”
A lot has to be done in the last 24 hours before the big moment. “The stages get the last finish, we are going to rehearse, and I also hope to take a few hours of sleep,” laughs Boumans. Tomorrow afternoon he is the first to welcome the Royal Family on behalf of the municipality and the region.
For the mayor himself it will be a day to remember. “I have never been the opportunity to meet Crown Princess Amalia and her sisters before, so that will be special.”
And afterwards? “Maybe just rest in the peat colonies,” says Boumans with a wink. “Because life is good there.”