King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were in Mesch today for the national start of the celebration of 80 years of freedom. In 2024 and 2025 we celebrate and commemorate that the Netherlands was liberated 80 years ago and that we have been living in freedom since the end of the Second World War.
On 12 September 1944, Mesch in South Limburg was the first village in the Netherlands to be liberated from German occupation by the Allied Americans. From that moment on, the Netherlands was further liberated, which was accompanied by heavy fighting, many victims and a torturous famine winter. On 5 May 1945, the whole of the Netherlands was liberated; it took until 15 August 1945 before the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands was liberated.
At various times and places in the Netherlands, 80 years of freedom are celebrated and commemorated. Members of the Royal Family attend various celebrations and commemorations during the anniversary year. In doing so, they support the commitment to values such as freedom, justice and democracy, which can never be taken for granted.
Fashion
For the celebration of liberation, Máxima chose a well-known, light pink dress by Natan. The design has puff sleeves, a tie belt and a wrap skirt.
During the debut (state visit to Sweden) the creation was combined with soft pink accessories.
Today’s hair decoration you might recognize from the state visit to Portugal. Back then, the small rose was on top.
