Rare video message King Willem-Alexander during King’s Day: ‘A day with two faces’

King Willem-Alexander stood in a rare personal video message on Saturday afternoon, prior to the King’s Day festivities in Doetinchem, on the death of Pope Franciscus. The funeral of the pope Also takes place on Saturday. The king wants to think about that, « before we start a beautiful afternoon in Doetinchem, » he said.

« I realize very well that this day has two faces, » said King Willem-Alexander in the predetermined message. « This morning Pope Francis was buried. (…) He was a man who embraced everyone from his faith. For many Catholics and non-Catholics he was a source of inspiration. »

« The sense of community that was so characteristic of Pope Francis is also a characteristic of King’s Day, » the King continued. « It is all the more important in this time of tensions and uncertainties in the world around us. Freedom, equality and legal certainty are not obvious. (…) On King’s Day, festive day of connection, we are extra aware of that. » With the word ‘connection’, Willem-Alexander refers to his inauguration speech in 2013, and to how he sees his task as king.

The king actually only gives one personal speech per year, on Christmas Day. This message during King’s Day is therefore a special deviation from the planned and expected events of today. The festivities in Doetinchem were previously postponed by an hour due to the simultaneous funeral of the Pope.

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