Worldly Chatter

Prince Willem Alexander and wife Princess Maxima have done it again! Another girl added to the Dutch Royal family. The little cutie was born last night around ten and both mom and baby are doing fine. Prince Willem Alexander came out to the press room of the hospital to show off his new pride and joy to reporters this morning with a smile that wouldn’t go away. She came into the world weighing 4,135 g, measured 52 cm and as proud daddy said this morning, was born with the typical Oranje nose!
Queen Beatrix was seen beaming as she drove away from Bronovo Hospital in Den Haag after seeing her newest granddaughter. This is Queen Beatrix’s 7^th granddaughter out of 8 grandchildren. Princess Maxima’s parents were also at the hospital shortly after the birth. Prime Minister Balkenende made a formal broadcast late last night on both radio and television telling the Dutch public the news of the third daughter to the royal couple and fourth in line for the throne. Right now we do not have a name for the kleine meisje (little girl) as is customary until her birth is registered with town offices in a day or so.
The royal family is loved and popular with the Dutch people and news is a buzz on the latest addition. Last night reporters hung around the hospital to get pictures of the family and a first glimpse of the baby. Catharina-Amalia and Alexia were left at home but will be seeing their sister as soon as mom and baby are brought home from the hospital.
Being from a country that doesn’t have a royal family I find myself rather interested in them and what it is they do. I enjoy history and the cultures I find myself in and this wasn’t any different. Dutchie brought me a DVD of their wedding back in 2002 and it was quite a sight! Then again since I intend on becoming a Dutch National in reality I am just learning the Dutch way. Do as the Romans do as the saying goes. Each Dutchie has his/ her place in Holland as does the royals and the Dutch seem alright with that. They like their royal family and have no intention of changing what has been for so long now. The Royal family is a part of their culture, their heritage. The Netherlands is ruled by crown and parliament, as Dutchie informed me, they help make what Holland is; they go hand in hand. So congratulations to the proud parents and welcome to the world kleine meisje!
Announcement of kleine Meisje Here is a video clip of Prince Willem Alexander at the hospital with his baby girl. Video property of www.nu.nl

Prince Willem Alexander, Princess Maxima, Netherlands, Dutch Royal Family