Besuijen, who is also a theater maker as well as an English teacher, also inspires his clothing style on those neat, British gentlemen he sees in the series.
“I am on stage and do many performances with Wim Sonneveld’s repertoire. Those gentlemen from the past also had a good suit, nice tie and good shoes.”
While Besuijen puts a tea cozy with two British flags on it over his teapot, he points to his mug with Queen Elizabeth’s name on it. “Well, you sometimes collect something,” he laughs.
He lived in London for a year, studied there and visits regularly. Elizabeth’s cup is a special edition because of her platinum reign anniversary.
“I ordered it right after she passed away. Think of it as a nice cup in memory,” says Besuijen.
This weekend it is not the first time that he goes to London for a British royal party. “I’ve also been to the Queens birthday parade a few times,” he says, proudly showing off his ticket for the event.
How does an ordinary born and raised Meppeler get there? Well, just lucky. “You register for a lottery. I’ve tried that for years, and then you have to be lucky if you are drawn and can buy a ticket.”
It is of course common knowledge that the Netherlands also has a royal family. But what makes it that Besuijen has such a preference for that of the British?
“It’s just so fascinating how those people live,” he starts. “And also the tradition they adhere to. Also such a coronation this weekend, however that will be such a great spectacle.”
As an example of the exuberant royalty madness of the British, Besuijen cites the death of Queen Elizabeth. “That was not just a hearse with a bouquet on it. No, that was with parades, soldiers and beautiful music. It really is a performance. That appeals to me enormously.”
The predilection is great, but don’t call Besuijen a fan. “Those are people who are waving flags along the side. The fact that I have a picture of the Queen here is already on the edge,” he chuckles.
De Meppeler digs deeper than just the outward appearance. He also examines the background of the British royals by reading literature.
“I approach it from the perspective of history. And what they mean to the community and have achieved. Speculation, like recently with Harry and Meghan, I stay away from that.”
This coming weekend he will therefore be on the sidelines during the festivities surrounding the coronation of Charles. “A once in a lifetime”says Besuijen.
“Charles has been waiting for this for a long time. At least, I didn’t ask him that, of course, but it is said. He is almost 75, so I hope to see William’s coronation as well.”
Around 6 o’clock in the morning he wants to stand along the route. Although he recently saw in the news that people are already camping in tents for the best places. “Well, hope I’m on time.”
Anyway, Besuijen is going to enjoy. “The atmosphere, the carriages, the horses, soldiers and cheerful people. The British are really the best at that”, he looks ahead enthusiastically.
“I will certainly come home with a lot of souvenirs,” he ends with a big smile. And not only that, but also a bag full of memories. And that is also something beautiful to look back on, during a afternoon tea.