King’s Games Kick Off in Rosendaal: Dutch Royals Celebrate Youth Fitness
ROOSENDAAL, Netherlands (AP) — King Willem-Alexander and queen Máxima launched the 13th annual King’s Games at De Vlindertuin primary school in Rosendaal on April 17, 2025, joining students in various sports and activities. The event, a nationwide tradition held in anticipation of King’s Day, promotes the well-being of children through physical activity.
A Royal Tradition: King’s Games mark Pre-Celebration for King’s Day
initiated in 2013 to commemorate Willem-Alexander’s ascension to the throne, the King’s Games have become a yearly event in primary schools across the Netherlands. The games are held each year just before the national holiday,King’s Day. This year, King Willem-Alexander, 57, and Queen Máxima, 53, participated in the festivities, emphasizing the importance of sports and health.

Dutch Royals Champion Youth Fitness at “King’s Games” Event
ROSENDAAL, Netherlands—King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands actively promoted youth sports and healthy lifestyles by participating in the annual “King’s Games” (Koningsspelen) in Rosendaal, North Brabant. the royal couple joined schoolchildren in athletic activities and a healthy breakfast, emphasizing the importance of physical activity for young people.
Royal Couple Highlights Importance of Sports for Dutch youth
The ”King’s Games” is a nationwide event designed to encourage Dutch children to engage in sports and other physical activities. This year’s theme, “twist,” focuses on that extra spark needed to motivate youngsters to get moving and embrace an active lifestyle.
Healthy Start: Royals Join Students for Breakfast
Tradition dictates the day begins with a nutritious breakfast, a custom the King and Queen enthusiastically participated in alongside the students.

Dutch Royals Launch “King’s Games” with Orange Flair
THE HAGUE – King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands launched the annual “King’s Games” with a vibrant celebration, marking a day of sports and activities for schoolchildren across the kingdom. The royal couple initiated the festivities by ceremoniously dropping orange-colored balls into a giant shaker, triggering a burst of orange smoke that filled the air amidst cheers from children decked out in the national color.
A Royal Start to a Day of Play
The King’s Games (“Koningsspelen” in Dutch) is a nationwide event encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles among young students. Every school throughout the Netherlands has the autonomy to organize its own program for the day.

Orange: The Color of Dutch Pride
The keen display of orange by the children pays homage to the House of orange-Nassau, the Dutch Royal Family. orange is not just a color; its a symbol of national pride and unity in the Netherlands.
Promoting Health and Unity
The King’s Games serve as more than just a day of fun; they promote the importance of physical activity and healthy habits among children while fostering a sense of community and national identity.
King Willem-alexander Joins Students in Playful Activities at Dutch School
NORTH BRABANT, netherlands—King Willem-Alexander recently engaged with students at a school in north Brabant, participating in lighthearted activities and games.The visit highlighted the school’s approach to education,which allows children to develop freely while providing support through official learning kits.
Royal Fun: King Tugs Rope,Plays Badminton with balloons
During the visit,King Willem-Alexander joined students in a spirited game of tug-of-war. The royal couple also picked up rackets to play a variation of badminton, using balloons rather of shuttlecocks, adding a playful twist to the conventional game.
School Emphasizes Free Progress with Supported Learning
The school in North Brabant emphasizes a pedagogical approach that encourages children to develop at their own pace and in their own way. Official kits are available to provide structured support when needed, balancing freedom with educational guidance.
What activities specifically did King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima engage in with the students at De Vlindertuin school in rosendaal?
King’s Games Kick Off in Rosendaal: A Q&A
The King’s Games, a nationwide event in the Netherlands, were recently celebrated, with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima joining in the fun. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
frequently Asked Questions:
What are the King’s Games?
The King’s games (“Koningsspelen” in Dutch) are an annual pre-King’s Day party in the Netherlands. They involve primary school children participating in sports, activities, and a healthy breakfast, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
When are the King’s Games held?
They are held each year just before King’s Day, the national holiday in the Netherlands.
Who participates in the King’s Games?
Primary school children across the Netherlands, along with the King and Queen, join in the festivities.
Where did the event take place this year?
The games were launched at De Vlindertuin primary school in Rosendaal, North Brabant, Netherlands.
What is the significance of the color orange?
Orange is the national color of the Netherlands, representing the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch Royal Family. It symbolizes national pride and unity.
What activities did the King and Queen participate in?
King Willem-Alexander and queen Máxima participated in various activities, including a healthy breakfast, tug-of-war, and a balloon badminton game with the children.
What is the theme of this year’s King’s Games?
The theme was “twist,” encouraging youngsters to get moving and embrace an active lifestyle.
How can schools participate?
Every school throughout the netherlands has the autonomy to organise its own program for the day, allowing for diverse and engaging activities.
The King’s games are a fantastic example of how to combine fun, fitness, and national pride. Get active and embrace the spirit of the King’s Games!