Celebrating the new Dutch King in Australia

The Kingdom of the Netherlands might be half way around the globe, but those Australians who want to join in the celebration for the "inhuldiging" of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have a good chance in the next couple of days.

As the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Canberra states on its website (see above), it will remain closed on 30th April, the actual day of Queen Beatrix' abdication. The Consulate-General in Sydney will also not open its door.

But where are the bulk of the Dutch settlers? Right, most immigrants from the Netherlands came to Victoria. And if you live in or around Melbourne, you have a marvellous chance to meet Dutch enthusiasts who will celebrate the accession of the new King and Queen of the Netherlands. In Carnegie, the Abel Tasman Dutch Club will open its doors on 30th April.  From 5 pm onwards, the club will offer live viewing of the inauguration of the new King.

Live viewing of the Abdication of Queen Beatrix @ the Dutch Club Abel Tasman on 30th April.

And what is more: Abel Tasman - Dutch Club Melbourne invites to the "very first Koningsbal in Melbourne" on 3rd May at 8 pm.

Abel Tasman - Dutch Club

60 Rosstown Road, Carnegie

Melbourne, Victoria, 3163

Tel. (03) 9755 5725

Email info@dutchclubabeltasman.com.au

Website http://www.dutchclubabeltasman.com.au

And to prove that Melbourne is the heart of the Dutch community in Australia, this Sunday, 28th April, the city saw the 9th Dutch Orange Day at Queensbridge Square on Southbank "to celebrate the last Koninginnedag (Queens Day) - next year will be Kings Day - and the succession to the throne: Queen Beatrix to King Willem-Alexander".