Doetinchem mayor declares King’s Day a success: "Here stands a very satisfied mayor"

"Here stands a very satisfied mayor," said Mark Boumans, mayor of Doetinchem, after the city’s King’s Day celebrations. "Everything went exactly as we had hoped." "It was fantastic. I had a really, really fun day," he added. "But that’s not the most important thing. I have the impression the royal family enjoyed themselves too, and I believe all the visitors in the city center had a great time." Boumans also noted that he planned to watch the national broadcast of the festivities again at a quieter time, according to ANP.

After the official royal visit concluded, large crowds continued to gather in Doetinchem’s city center to keep the celebration going. By mid-afternoon, Simonsplein was packed with people, and long lines formed at bars and restaurants. Local businesses took advantage of the occasion, including a game store that released a special "King’s Day in Doetinchem" puzzle. Many shop windows across the city were decorated in orange to mark the celebration.

Earlier in the day, Doetinchem’s streets were packed with people as thousands turned out to see the royal family. Spectators waved flags and wore festive orange crowns as they lined the route of the royal procession. Many stood several rows deep behind barriers, and some climbed onto platforms to get a better view of King Willem-Alexander and his family as they passed by under clearing skies.

Beyond the city center, the celebrations extended into neighborhoods where homes were decorated with flags. Children set up lemonade and baked goods stands outside their houses, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The official royal program concluded around 2 p.m. at the Walmolen, where the mill’s sails were adorned with banners featuring the Dutch and Achterhoek flags.

Despite the large crowds, transportation from Doetinchem remained orderly. A spokesperson for Arriva said the platforms were full but that trains and buses remained manageable. Extra trains and shuttle buses had been arranged to carry visitors back to parking lots outside the center. Although it was unclear whether seats were available on all trains, the exodus from the city proceeded smoothly, with crowds moving steadily toward the station and shuttle buses. Streets were left scattered with orange and red-white-blue flags after the festivities.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were welcomed to Doetinchem earlier in the day by Mayor Boumans, who expressed his happiness that the king chose to celebrate his birthday in the city. The royal family’s visit included a musical performance by the band Normaal, who played their hit "Oerend Hard." King Willem-Alexander and Prince Constantijn were seen singing and dancing along with the music. Prince Constantijn later remarked that he enjoyed hearing music from his youth.

The royals also participated in various sporting activities during the visit. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima played a round of table tennis, during which the king scored a point with a powerful smash. Queen Máxima’s team eventually won the King's Day quiz, which concluded with a round of penalty shots. King Willem-Alexander missed his shot during the final.

Earlier in the day, King Willem-Alexander recorded a video message acknowledging the death of Pope Francis. He praised the pope’s community spirit and said it mirrored the spirit of King’s Day. Speaking to NOS, the king said the decision not to attend the pope’s funeral had been carefully considered over a long period.

Because the pope’s funeral took place in the morning, the start of King’s Day festivities in Doetinchem was delayed. As he departed the city, King Willem-Alexander reportedly expressed his deep gratitude that the schedule had been adjusted. He also thanked the many German visitors in Doetinchem, delivering part of his farewell speech in German.