We were recently asked: what does Princess Laurentien actually do for the royal family? Does she really add value? As far as we are concerned, yes.
In the previous blog we already saw some things about the work of Princess Laurentien. Today we look further, because we have a long way to go.
Expertise center including education
Princess Laurentien attended the conference The State of Inclusive Education on November 16, 2023. During the conference, Princess Laurentien received the first copy of the research report ‘The State of Inclusive Education 2023’.
Laurentien is patron of the Expertise Center for Inclusive Education (ECIO). The ECIO strives for inclusive education for students with a need for support. The activities are aimed at students who experience obstacles due to, for example, a functional disability, chronic illness, young parenthood or tasks as an informal caregiver. They often benefit from flexibility and specific facilities. The expertise center supports educational professionals who are committed to education and student well-being.
Fashion
Laurentien’s green pantsuit in the photos above comes from Summum. It’s nice that she gave the tip that she likes shopping here, during the launch of the Nouveau edition of which she herself was chief guest editor.
The nice belt with sunglasses buckle comes from Kate Spade New York, where she has bought something in the past.
Loafers from Unisa.
Honorary Chairman of the Association of Public Libraries
Laurentien and reading, Laurentien and books. That’s always a good combination. It is not without reason that she was asked to be Honorary Chairman of the Association of Public Libraries in 2006. A very suitable position for Laurentien. She visits a membership meeting, a conference, gives a speech and undoubtedly also commits herself to a number of things behind the scenes.
Fashion
In this photo we see Princess Laurentien in a dress by Valentino and shoes by Diane von Furstenberg.
In August 2023, Princess Laurentien attended the opening of the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Ahoy. In the photos you see a woman who is very involved in the subject.
Fashion
On this occasion we see Laurentien in a very summery outfit: a skirt and top from Max & co.
Sustainability
Princess Laurentien has been concerned with sustainability and environmental issues for years. For this reason, she was elected the new president of Fauna & Flora in October 2012, after having been vice president since 2006, and previously a member of the board in 2003 and 2004. In addition, she was a senior advisor to WWF special advisor to Rewilding Europe , a Dutch foundation that aims to rewild one million hectares of land by 2020. She is also a Fellow at the European Climate Foundation.
Books sustainability
In connection with sustainability, Princess Laurentien wrote the children’s book series Mr Finney, which is available in several languages. The book series is about sustainability and climate change. In addition, Laurentien also founded the Missing Chapter Foundation, an NGO that creates conversations between children and (young) adults, with a view to changing mindsets, especially among decision makers, to achieve a more sustainable future . The Missing Chapter Foundation launched the Children’s Council initiative in 2014.
Fashion
During the opening of the NOT education fair, Princess Laurentien wore a black dress with a lace skirt from Pinko.
In the photo below we see Princess Laurentien and Sieb Posthuma at the unveiling of the book Mr. Finney and the Riddle of the Trees.
European Cultural Foundation
Prince Constantijn’s wife is also president of the European Cultural Foundation. Together with Princess Margriet, she regularly attends the presentation of the ECF Princess Margriet Award for Culture. Princess Laurentien succeeded Princess Margriet as president of the foundation in 2007.
Fashion
Laurentien is wearing trousers and a long cardigan from Missoni, recognizable by the zigzag pattern.
In the photo below, Princess Laurentien attended the Europe Day in De Balie in Amsterdam. This day is organized by the European Cultural Foundation.
Fashion
The maxi skirt and blouse are from Moliin.
Yidan Prize Foundation
Laurentien is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Yidan Prize Foundation. The Yidan Prize is an inclusive education award that recognizes individuals or teams who have made significant contributions to the theory and practice of education. During corona times, Princess Laurentien addressed the winners online.
FutureNL Foundation
Laurentien is also chairman of the Board of the FutureNL Foundation. This foundation is committed to, among other things, teachers, students and lesson plans. The board determines the foundation’s policy, is responsible for financial management and for the management of the director with final operational responsibility. The board members receive no remuneration or expense reimbursement for this.
Number 5 Foundation and benefits affair
Princess Laurentien is director of the Number 5 Foundation, an ANBI foundation that Prince Constantijn and she founded in 2017. The foundation focuses on various social issues such as child poverty, language development for 0-4 year olds, digital inequality and sustainability. Princess Laurentien has been asked by the Ombudsman for Children to talk to children involved in the benefits affair. During dozens of sessions she spoke with children, young people and parents. A new claims route has now been developed together with parents and personal injury specialists, as can also be read in the latest Nouveau. Princess Laurentien was also recently a guest in a BNN vara broadcast to speak about the benefits affair.
Talking about refugee children.
State visits
Unfortunately, Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien are rarely present on state visits. We do see them occasionally. For example, they were present at the state banquet de contraperformance during Belgium’s state visit to the Netherlands in 2016 and at the state banquet for the French president in 2023.
Finally, we also saw Princess Laurentien at the state banquet on the occasion of the state visit of the Argentine president to the Netherlands.
Budget Day
Last but not least, the princess is also present at Prinsjesdag. Often dressed in clothing from fashion house Hardies.
