The King of the Netherlands has delivered a hard hitting Christmas speech, addressing many of the concerns caused by division in his country in the past year.
King Willem-Alexander said that ”Christmas does not exclude anyone, everyone is welcome – you, too.”
He spoke of the conflicts that affect many parts of the world and attitudes in his own nation, saying ”tensions are palpable, internationally and domestically and that makes us restless…many people feel misunderstood, unwanted, unprotected.”
As he described some of the many experiences he has heard first hand, from Jewish and Muslim people, about feeling threatened and isolated in the Netherlands, he noted that ”time and again, I am touched by the personal pain that resonates in the stories.”
And he said that although many feel powerless to bring about change, everyone can ”make sure that we do not import the bitterness and hatred into our streets” and ”be resilient against everything that drives us apart.”
In the hardest hitting part of this Christmas Day speech, delivered at Huis ten Bosch Palace, King Willem-Alexander emphasised the importance of society’s rules, saying ”every person is equal before the law. Discrimination is not allowed. We don’t use violence, not even if we feel hurt or misunderstood. These principles are not open to dialogue or discussion and they apply to everyone, always.”
The Dutch king also said that understanding one another would heal division, noting ”as soon as we see each other’s pain and each other’s desire, space for understanding arises. And understanding creates connection. With all the differences of opinion, let’s also look for the human that brings us together.”
He ended with Christmas wishes, sent to ”all – wherever you are and whatever your personal circumstances are.”
