Princess Beatrix will mark the 100th anniversary of the Anglo-Netherlands Society in London next month, at the State Apartments at Kensington Palace, which was once inhabited by William III, a king originally from the Netherlands, and his wife, Mary II.
The reception, which takes place on 17 March, will be held at Kensington Palace and will include prominent British and Dutch attendees, as well as representatives of British universities where Dutch is studied.
The Anglo-Netherlands Society works to “develop goodwill and understanding between the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands,” per its website, and looks to promote “the social, artistic, literary, educational, scientific and other interests that the Dutch and the British have in common.” London is its base, and all of its work is conducted in English.
Since its founding in 1920, when it was called the Anglo-Batavian Society, the Anglo-Netherlands Society (its name since 1944) has been supported by members of both royal families. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands attended the Society’s 60th anniversary celebrations; and Princess Margriet has attended events as well.
British and Dutch history entwine with William III co-ruling England with his wife, Mary II, from 1689 to 1702. He was the only son of William II, Prince of Orange, who died before he was born; and was the Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders and Overijssel from birth to death.
He and his wife, the eldest daughter of James II, took part in the Glorious Revolution and claimed the English throne by force in 1689. When Mary died in 1694, he reigned on his own until his own death. The couple had no surviving children, and Mary’s younger sister Anne ascended to the throne upon William’s death.
Princess Beatrix will be joined at the reception by The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
