She likes coming there and you can see that. On November 7, Princess Beatrix started her visit to Curacao with a broad smile and a heartfelt kiss. In this blog you can read all about the topics and royal outfits that were discussed.
The visit focuses on the work of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and social initiatives on the islands. The Princess is patroness of DCNA.
Tuesday, November 7: Savonet Country House and Shete Boka National Park
On Tuesday morning, Princess Beatrix visited the Savonet country house. The country house from 1662 had one of the largest plantations on the island. The building was thoroughly restored in 2010 and 2018. The surrounding park is managed by DCNA partner Carmabi (Caribbean Research & Management of Biodiversity Foundation). Princess Beatrix took a short tour of the museum in the country house. She also attended a nature education lesson with a number of primary school students. The children learn here about the dangers of litter for nature on the island. Carmabi employees then informed the princess about the climatic importance of the surrounding Christoffel Park and about animal care in the area. The princess then visited Shete Boka National Park for an explanation of the nature and coastline there.
Princess Beatrix has been exchanging her over-the-knee pencil skirt for trousers for about three years now. On the first day of the visit she combined a dark blue shirt with a floral blouse in various shades of blue.
Wednesday, November 8: Hòfinan Ser’i Otrobanda and dinner with the governor
Princess Beatrix visits Hòfinan Ser’i Otrobanda in the morning. This initiative creates community gardens in Willemstad to promote self-reliance and healthy eating habits of local residents. The idea arose during the corona crisis when families were supported with food parcels. By creating city gardens, people can grow their own fruit and vegetables, people come into contact with each other and there is more activity in the neighborhood. The project is supported by the Oranje Fonds. The Princess received an explanation of the origins and importance of the community gardens and met volunteers.
Princess Beatrix then visited Rif St. Marie and Hermanus, two nature reserves that are connected by a bridge at the initiative of Carmabi. Here the princess received an explanation about the care of water birds and about the swamp area and the salt pans.
The princess is always ready for a beautiful tulip blouse. Nothing as Dutch as the tulip, right? On day two of the visit, a blouse with pink tulips passed by. Of course combined with dark trousers and flat shoes. (Heels are really no longer necessary at this age, right?)
November 8 – evening program
In the evening, Princess Beatrix was received for dinner at the Government Palace by Governor Lucille George-Wout.
On the dark top the princess wears a leaf brooch with a loose pearl. I’m still looking for a sharp photo. To be continued!
Today the visit continues in Aruba.
P.S. Are you curious how often the princess has been to Curacao and why? Then take a look at this blog, where all her visits to the Caribbean part of our kingdom are discussed in words and images.
