Rob Goossens believes that King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima should open their palaces to refugees from Ukraine. “There are a lot of rooms available there.”
Millions of people flee Ukraine because of Putin’s war. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima should also do their part, believes RTL Boulevard expert Rob Goossens. He would like it if they open their luxurious palaces to Ukrainian people who are without shelter.
Palace doors open
Rob points out that ordinary Dutch people are also willing to take refugees into their homes. “The willingness of the Netherlands to take in refugees is so great. It is quite easy for families to take care of someone who is alone or in pairs. Families is more difficult.”
Those families can be nicely taken care of by the royal couple, according to Rob. “I think then: the king has all kinds of palaces, he can of course also make a very nice statement by saying: ‘My palace doors are open.’”
‘Is that possible?’
Bridget Maasland: “Could something like this be possible?”
Rob grinning: “Yes, I don’t know about the security situation of the palaces, but if the king starts working at home from Huis ten Bosch, then I think there are a lot of rooms available in Noordeinde to help a lot of families. .”
‘It’s an option’
Royalty expert Rick Evers responds on Twitter: “In RTL Boulevard, Rob Goossens suggested housing Ukrainians in Noordeinde Palace. Certainly if Willem-Alexander works from Huis (ten Bosch), an option. Noordeinde Palace has a fully furnished guest wing. Huis ten Bosch and Amsterdam also have a lot of guest/staff rooms.”
He continues: “But is it a good idea? Safety is an issue, it will be quite a puzzle. And discussion: what in a future case, if another country is in need? And why them now and not them then? And will Willem-Alexander receive compensation?”
WWII
Rick notes that it would not be unique to receive refugees in the palaces. “The palaces used to offer shelter to those who needed help. During World War II, many people in hiding found a place in Noordeinde and Paleis op de Dam. But that was an initiative of palace employees.”