Thursday, 30 April 2009

Queen's Day

Today, Holland celebrates the birthday of its Queen. Beatrix was 71 in January. As has become customary since 1981, Beatrix and her family went walkabout through a city, Apeldoorn (15 miles north of here) to meet the public. Celebrations and events were taking place in a park. Afterwards, the royal party were transferring by bus to the palace 't Loo and viewing a historical parade. Their open-topped coach was turning into the Palace grounds when a car sped through the barriers and the viewing public. As it crashed into a memorial, its windscreen was already smashed. Fourteen people were injured, three of whom apparently seriously.

As I am watching the events unfold on Dutch TV, I am told that all further events have been cancelled for the day. There was to have been a file-past - which will not now take place. There is speculation (not more) about the cause and reasons of the crash. Will post on Facebook, Twitter and here as I get more information.

3 comments:

Jane Thompson said...

Theres nothing on the news yet about this Guido - Ill keep watching for the latest.

Kathy said...

Horrific. Prayers for the injured folks ..

Lori said...

I hadn't seen anything about this. I hope they get to the bottom of it, and I'm glad the Queen and her family were not hurt in any way. It's a shame that the rest of the day's events had to be canceled.