SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

The Netherlands

Dutch King and Queen release statement concerning Greek forest fires

Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands have released a statement regarding the ongoing forest fires in Greece. They said they feel “enormous sympathy” for those impacted and “share their pain.”

Several blazes are around the Greek capital of Athens with over 50 deaths reported. More than 150 people are said to be injured. Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece also remarked on his Instagram about the fire saying, in part, that “Our thoughts are with the families and relatives of the victims.” He added, “We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and for the restoration of the property of our fellowmen. Our sincere condolences to those who mourn. Good strength to everyone.”

Yesterday, the King and Queen of the Netherlands wrote on the Royal House’s official Facebook page in both Dutch and English, “The raging forest fires in Greece have claimed many victims. We feel enormous sympathy for the victims, their families and those who do not yet know the fate of their loved ones. We share their pain, and our thoughts are with them. – WA and Máxima.”

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have a holiday villa in Greece’s Peloponnese region around Kranidi. The couple and their three daughters Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane are currently on a summer holiday in an unknown location.

Image: © RVD – photographer: Albert Nieboer

The family held their annual summer photo session ahead of their holiday on 13 July at the family’s home of Villa Eikenhorst in Wassenaar. It was announced then that the family was going on a tech-free holiday with the Queen saying the first few days without mobile phones and iPads will be difficult for all of them.

Sweden is also suffering from forest fires across the country. King Carl XVI Gustaf released a statement regarding those fires on 17 July.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.