The annual Dutch celebration Queen's Day ended in tragedy when a man drove into a crowd, killing at least five people and injuring others. The royal family was apparently the target of the attack but they were unharmed. Visit the Royal News page for more information and updates.
An official message from the official Dutch monarchy website (see below for translation):
Koninginnedag afgelast
Naar aanleiding van de verschrikkeijke gebeurtenis in Apeldoorn zijn de verdere activiteiten in het kader van Koninginnedag afgelast.
Hare Majesteit de Koningin deelt, mede namens de andere leden van de Koninklijke Familie, mee zeer geschokt te zijn door de gebeurtenissen en leeft intens mee met de slachtoffers en hun verwanten.
I don't speak Dutch but I believe this message can be translated roughly as follows:
As a result of the tragic event in Apeldoorn, further Queen's Day events have been cancelled. Her Majesty the Queen communicates on behalf of the other members of the royal family that they are very shocked by the events and sympathize intensely with the victims and their relatives.
I received email from D.P. Tick in the Netherlands, who writes:
The flags in Holland are now flying half-mast. The people hope that the open character of the Queensday can be preserved. The Queen made a very respectful appearance when she spoke to her people about the attack… Yes,that is the only direct positive effect of this attack: The people will more love or at least respect our royal family now.
Also: We must be awake, that we live in a very strange world. We always thought that such things are not possible in Holland, but now we know better.
When the Queen talked to the nation, she moved so much heart because everybody felt that she really meant it. Yes, that is a way of handling that only some royals can do. When the Queen spoke you only could stop your thoughts and be quiet inside and listen to her words. Yes, we have a very good royal family. Very human humans!
If you would like to share your own thoughts or sympathies, please do so in the comments of this post.
What is happening in this world? The Dutch Royal Family is deeply loved by the Dutch and well respected throughout the world. How tragic for the bystanders watching and waving to their Queen. I am sure that Her Majesty and the Royal Family feel deeply for the families of the victims. No longer is it safe to simply enjoy a parade for fear of being killed. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to these families. How tragic!!
Hang in there! You all are in my prayers.
We celebrated in New York City (Brooklyn)this past weekend. It is so painful to know that the people of the Netherlands have suffered and were robbed of their holiday and have such a tragedy to deal with. We are so sad for our brothers and sisters in the Netherlands and for the wonderful House of Orange!
What a tragedy for the entire county…I think many of us are keeping them in our prayers now…
HORRIFIED TO READ/HEAR OF THE TERRIBLE ATTACK ON EUROPE'S MOST BRLOVED ROYAL FAMILY. HER MAJESTY AND HER FAMILY, BELOVED IN THE NETHERLANDS AND AROUND THE WORLD, ATTACKED? WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TOO? OUR CONDOLENCES ARE WITH THE VICTIMS'S FAMILIES BUT MORE IMPORTANT: THE ROYAL FAMILY WAS SAFE.
THANKS BE GIVEN. KLAUS R. HILBERT VON HAGEN, MORGAN HILL, CALIFORNIA.