I would have preferred an arrangement where they had stated that the ceremonial role of head of the armed forces is portrayed by the monarch. In that way WA could have worn a uniform for his investiture and more often in public but that route was not chosen.
Where i do not doubt a strong connection between HM and those who serve a rather anti-militaristic attitude within the Dutch population may be another reason why the king so seldom is seen in uniforms.
Willem Alexander really does not like wearing uniforms, does he? I know that officially he is no longer part of the military, but even then, he very rarely wears his no-insignia uniforms.
What a contrast to his Scandinavian cousins, who always wear theirs.
In clip of arrival of Dutch King and Queen we see King and Queen of Norway, plus Crown Princess and Princess Martha Louise. Where was Crown Prince Haakon ? Interesting that all present speak British English but Martha Louise has developed an American accent.
[url=
]YouTube clip
King Harald awarded the collar of the Order of St Olav to King Willem Alexander earlier today. The collar is visible in the table of gifts exchanged below. There were no other orders exchanged, as the King and Queen received the Grand Cross of St Olav in 1996/2013, and the Norwegian royals all received Dutch orders during the 1982, 1996 and 2010 state visits.
The Collar of the Order of St Olav is vere rarely awarded. Grand Duke Henri appears to have received it in 2011, and the former Emperor Akihito received it in 2001.
King Carl XVI Gustaf was awarded it in 1974 and also Queen Margrethe II has been awarded the collar.
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