King’s Day is also in the spotlight with our eastern neighbors. Many Germans follow the royal family closely, says Charlot Brutscher. She is deputy editor-in-chief and royalty reporter of the German website BUNTE.
“Many Germans are there and want to follow everything,” Brutscher tells L1.
Sympathetic and modern
It is not surprising that Germans show interest in the Dutch royal family, according to Brutscher. “They are sympathetic and close to the people, which you don’t see with some royals. It is a very modern image.” She emphasizes that Willem-Alexander and Maxíma come forward as a ‘wonderbares Team† “And their daughters also come across as positive, intelligent and modern.”
According to Brutscher, the Royal Family will also leave a good impression in 2022. According to her, it is ‘a time in which royal houses have to justify themselves again and again’.
Of German blood
According to Brutscher, the interest in the Dutch royal family also stems from the German roots of the royal family. “Willem van Oranje, for example, came from Germany. And Prince Claus van Amsberg, Beatrix’s husband, was also German. That connection is really unique.” According to the reporter, our neighboring country has such a connection with almost no other royal family.
Also contributing is the fluent German knowledge of many members of the Royal Family. “Willem-Alexander, Beatrix. And Maxíma now understands it well,” Brutscher knows. This makes the family a welcome guest with our eastern neighbours. “They have been to Germany before and they are very cordial. They talk to people, pose for photos and are happy with the gifts they receive.” During King’s Day, Brutscher’s website BUNTE follows the festivities closely.
border region
Although the municipality and the police do take into account both German and Belgian visitors during King’s Day in Maastricht, it is currently impossible to indicate whether this will be in large numbers. “We are a border region, so it is to be expected,” said a police spokeswoman.
She herself will not be there this year, but according to Brutscher it is also expected that many interested people will cross the border: “Auf jeden Fall! In previous years I have heard a lot of German, also from further afield. People from all over the country travel to the Netherlands.”