Dutch Royal couple in Curaçao for Flag Day (Photos)

WILLEMSTAD - As was announced earlier, the Dutch royal couple is here on the island to celebrate Curaçao’s national day.

Curaçao celebrates “Flag Day” as a public holiday every July 2. Although the deep blue background, bright yellow stripe and two bold white stars flag are the national pride, the basis of the holiday date is not the creation of the national flag but the sighting of the island in 1499 by Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda.

This year it is extra special because for the first time the King and Queen will attend the official ceremony.

Here are a few pictures of the King and Queen’s arrival at the Hato Airport and Fort Amsterdam.

It had just rained the moment King Willem Alexander stepped out of the plane.

The king was greeted by Governor Ms Lucille George Wout.

Prime Minister Rhuggenaath greeted the Royal couple upon their arrival.

Flowers for Queen Maxima when she arrived at a rainy Hato.

The Royal couple was welcomed in Fort Amsterdam by over 100 uniformed youngsters from Curaçao.

King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima were welcomed by Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath.

Royal couple together with governor George Wout in conversation with Prime Minister Rhuggenaath and the Undersecretary of Kingdom Relations Raymnond Knops.

The Royal couple greeted the ministers of the government of Curaçao.

The King, the Queen and the governor met with ministers of the Curaçao government.