King Willem-Alexander proud of Dutch athletes in Paris Olympics

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and their eldest daughters Amalia and Alexia visited the Olympic village in Paris on Saturday morning. The king is proud that "we are here with a very large team of 276 athletes", he told NU.nl.

King Willem - Alexander, Queen Maxima, the Princess of Orange and Princess Alexia met with athletes from Team Netherlands in the Athletes' Villages this morning.

📸Arturo Holmes // Getty Images pic.twitter.com/k6zwprJFLT

— ChristinZ (@ChristinsQueens) July 27, 2024

Willem-Alexander also said we can be proud "that we stand out, that people are happy to see us again," he continued. "After yesterday's opening, the Games can now really begin."

The Dutch royal couple attended the opening ceremony on the Seine. "We saw a fantastic show of Paris," he said. I think the athletes really took center stage on the boats. The whole city could enjoy it. And the world was able to enjoy what Paris has to offer."

On X, the Royal family wished TeamNL good luck and told them to enjoy their time in Paris and to make the Netherlands proud.

“Veel succes aan alle Olympiërs van #TeamNL in #Paris2024! Jullie harde werk, toewijding en passie hebben jullie hier gebracht. Geniet met volle teugen en maak Nederland trots. Wij kijken uit naar spannende wedstrijden en bijzondere sportprestaties in Parijs.” pic.twitter.com/TNXMoWsa2a

— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) July 26, 2024

The 70 Dutch athletes celebrated to the fullest and cheered during the boat parade on the Seine. Team NL was enthusiastically greeted from the grandstand by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, NU.nl reported.

At the end of the boat parade, IOC President Thomas Bach was grateful for the French warm welcome. "I would like to thank our French hosts for this spectacular welcome, he said." "What better city than Paris to share the magic of the Olympic Games with the world?," NU.nl wrote.