Princess Margriet cancels visit to Canada

Princess Margriet of the Netherlands has cancelled her visit to Canada after breaking her arm.

The Princess and her husband, Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven, were due to travel to Canada in May, but the aunt of King Willem-Alexander has not fully recovered from her broken arm.

The Government Information Service (RVD) announced that the visit has been cancelled.

They said: “Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Prof. Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven have had to decide to cancel their visit to Ottawa and Toronto, Canada, from 9 to 12 May. For a speedy recovery from the fracture in the Princess’s left arm, this trip is unfortunately not considered responsible.”

Princess Margriet was visiting Canada to mark 80 years since the liberation of the Netherlands in World War II. The Princess was born in Ottawa while her family was in exile during the war.

The RVD added: “Princess Margriet has always emphasised that Canada and the Canadians played a decisive role in the liberation of the Netherlands. That is one of the reasons why they participate in the commemorations and celebrations in Canada almost every five years.”