Dutch royals face continuing criticism over holiday home in Greece

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands are once again facing criticism for their summer vacation plans. 

The Dutch media have brought up their concerns about royal vacations. 

Each summer, the Dutch king and queen, and their three daughters, Princess Catharina Amalia, Princess Alexia, and Princess Ariane, spend roughly two months in Greece for their vacation. 

The couple bought their Greek estate near the seaside town of Kanidi in 2012 for a reported €5,000,000. The large property features views of the Aegean Sea and has become a favourite of the family. 

However, some Dutch royal commentators and members of the public are asking why their king and queen spend so much time outside of the Netherlands.

In 2014, the Dutch government paid nearly €500,000 to build a fence around the property, a move that brought a great deal of criticism. 

The family also faced a strong backlash in 2020 when they decided to travel to Greece during the pandemic when the Dutch government was advising citizens to limit international travel whenever possible. 

Most other monarchs in Europe are seen on holiday in their own countries through the summer. King Charles and Queen Camilla are joined by other members of the Royal Family the Balmoral Estate in Scotland, King Frederik and Queen Mary have continued the Danish tradition of cruising to different islands in Denmark, and the Spanish Royal Family always start their summer break in Mallorca.