King Willem-Alexander pays tribute to Pope Francis ahead of King’s Day celebrations

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has held a short speech in tribute of Pope Francis ahead of the King’s Day celebrations in Doetinchem.

He spoke of the double meaning of today, as today is also the day of Pope Francis’s burial.

He said, “Before we start a beautiful afternoon together with the people here in Doetinchem and the Achterhoek, I would like to say how grateful I am to be a guest here, together with my family. King’s Day is a very special day. A national holiday. A day to meet each other and celebrate our solidarity. Everyone is welcome.

“I realise very well that this day has two faces. This morning, Pope Francis was buried. We have met him a number of times, and we cherish the memory of him. He was a man who embraced everyone based on his faith. For many Catholics – and also for many non-Catholics – he was a source of inspiration. He knew how to touch the core of what life is all about: love, humanity and looking after each other.

“The sense of community that was so characteristic of Pope Francis is also characteristic of King’s Day. That is why we find it very valuable to be here today.  This is all the more important in this time of tension and uncertainty in the world around us. Freedom, equality and legal certainty are not self-evident. They cannot be achieved without the active commitment of each of us. On King’s Day – a festive day of connection – we are even more aware of this.

“Everyone here in Doetinchem has joined forces to make it something fantastic. My family and I are looking forward to it!”