Princess Beatrix is in the Caribbean for a few days. She visits the islands of Sint Maarten and Saba. On the first full day of the visit, the princess brings new life to the first-mentioned island, because she plants a native tree there.
Thursday – Birds and a boat trip
On Thursday morning, Princess Beatrix starts the day with a short walk on the boardwalk at the Salt Pond on Sint Maarten, where she receives an explanation about local birds. The path has been specially constructed for bird watching.
Read more below the photo.
Princess Beatrix arrives at the boardwalk.
Afterwards, a boat trip along Mullet Bay is on the program. Mullet Bay is the only so-called Ramsar nature reserve on the island. UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention aims to conserve wetlands of international importance worldwide. The boat trip takes Princess Beatrix further past the small island of Little Key, where mangroves are planted. By the way, the boat is called – how could it be otherwise – Queen Beatrix.
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Donderdag – Princess Juliana International Airport
In the afternoon, Princess Beatrix opens the airport building Princess Juliana International Airportwhich was severely damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Beatrix reopens the building that bears her mother’s name by unveiling a plaque.
Wednesday – Planting new life
On Wednesday the day started with a visit to Emilio Wilson Park, which was originally a plantation where enslaved people were put to work. The park is today a historically and ecologically important area with native flora and fauna. Princess Beatrix contributed to the native flora and fauna on Wednesday. After a short walk and a poetry and story reading, the princess planted a native tree.
Read more below the post.
Wednesday – Interactive lesson
Then it was time to rack the brains. On it Milton Peters College Beatrix attended an interactive lesson about Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). This is a process in which human activities at sea are organized in such a way that the ocean can be used in a sustainable way without these activities getting in the way of each other. During the lesson, students presented the outcome of negotiations in the role of different stakeholders, simulating the MSP process.
Read more below the photos.
Princess Beatrix with the students of Milton Peters College. Princess Beatrix walks on Sint Maarten (2024).
Wednesday – Conservation and environmental education
In the afternoon Princess Beatrix visited it Perpetual Plastics project of EPIC Sint Maarten, an NGO that works on nature conservation and environmental education. At this sheltered workshop, local plastic is recycled into usable items. The princess changed into a different outfit for the occasion. It was again a blue blouse with a cheerful print. Tropical fashion, everywhere.
Read more below the photos.
Princess Beatrix is talking to employees of EPIC Sint Maarten. Princess Beatrix receives an explanation about the project and views products made from recycled plastic.
Tuesday – Arrival on Sint Maarten
The princess arrived on Sint Maarten by plane on Tuesday evening Dutch time. It is certainly not the first time that Beatrix has visited the area and her love for the Caribbean islands is well known.
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Princess Beatrix’s four-day visit to Sint Maarten and Saba is dedicated to the work of Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and social initiatives on the islands. The princess is patroness of DCNA.
Princess Beatrix in the Caribbean
The visit will last until Friday. The princess’s visit to the island of Saba ends on Friday, November 15.
Do you want to stay informed about Princess Beatrix’s journey? Then follow us on social media, where we report live from the islands. We also share the latest news on the website.
Image: Blauw Bloed, NLbeeld, Instagram @koninklijkhuis
Beautiful Blue Blood Day at Soestdijk Palace
Beautiful Blue Blood Day at Soestdijk Palace
Blauw Bloed and Soestdijk Palace are organizing a unique event on Thursday, November 21. Don’t miss it!
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Princess Beatrix’s Caribbean Adventure: Trees, Tarmac, and Tropical Trends
Ah, Princess Beatrix — a royal who’s managed to swap tiaras for tree saplings on a trip to the Caribbean! She’s in Sint Maarten and Saba, and if there’s one thing she’s making clear, it’s that she’s here to plant more than just a few seeds of kindness. Spoiler alert: they aren’t all in her garden!
Thursday – Birds and a Boat Trip
On Thursday morning, Princess Beatrix kicked off her day with a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk at the Salt Pond on Sint Maarten, where she was enlightened on the local avian residents. Now that’s what I call taking “twitching” to a royal level! And the boardwalk? Specially constructed for bird-watching. But let’s be honest, when you’re royalty, most people are just there to watch you!
Next up on her schedule was a boat trip along Mullet Bay, the island’s sole Ramsar nature reserve. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Ramsar Convention aims to protect wetlands of global significance. And the name of the boat? Drumroll, please… Queen Beatrix. Because of course, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a national treasure to cruise on anything less!
Thursday – Back to the Airport with a Hint of Hurricane
In the afternoon, Princess Beatrix carried out the royal duty of reopening the airport that bears her mother’s name. Yes, after Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc in 2017, it was time to unveil a plaque and remind everyone that even airports deserve a second chance. And you thought getting through airport security was a hassle — imagine the airport needing a makeover first!
Wednesday – Planting New Life
On the previous day, she graced Emilio Wilson Park — a former plantation and now an eco-friendly historical hotspot. After a charming poetry reading (because every forest needs a bard, right?), she got her hands dirty planting a native tree. This isn’t just gardening; it’s *royal* gardening. Take note, other nature enthusiasts — this is how you ‘grow’ your environmental credentials!
Wednesday – Interactive Lessons and Involvement
Then it was time to engage the brain cells at Milton Peters College for an interactive lesson on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). Who knew royalty would be knee-deep in negotiations about oceanic resource management? The princess, joining the students as they projected future negotiations, gives new meaning to “royal diplomacy.” And to think all I did during school was struggle to pass my history exam!
Wednesday – Plastics Reincarnated
Later that day, our intrepid princess donned another outfit — this time, a blue blouse with a jaunty print — to check out the Perpetual Plastics project. This isn’t your typical recycling operation; it’s an idea that’ll make you rethink your childhood art projects. No more macaroni necklaces, folks; it’s all about creating usable items from local recycled plastics. Who knew the royals were so ahead of the game on eco-fashion? Watch out, Paris!
Tuesday – Arrival and Anticipation
As she touched down on Sint Maarten on Tuesday evening, it marked yet another visit in her ongoing love affair with the Caribbean. And we thought the climate was hot — turn out romance can be too! It goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that her four-day excursion is dedicated to the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance. Proof that even a royal can have a green thumb — and that environmental issues transcend palaces and politics.
Your Invitation to Follow Along!
As she concludes her Caribbean escapade, which finishes on Friday, November 15, you’re invited to keep your eyes peeled. Want to stay informed about this royal jaunt? Follow the royal family’s social media for those candid island moments. Don’t worry — I’m sure they’ll even post the photos where she’s not accidentally planted her tiara instead of a tree.
Beautiful Blue Blood Day at Soestdijk Palace
Join us on November 21 for a unique event at Soestdijk Palace. Tickets available now!
Princess Beatrix is currently enjoying a brief stay in the Caribbean, specifically on the islands of Sint Maarten and Saba. During her first full day on Sint Maarten, the princess contributed to the island’s ecological efforts by planting a native tree, symbolizing a commitment to the local environment.
Thursday – Birds and a boat trip
On Thursday morning, Princess Beatrix commenced her day with a serene walk along the newly constructed boardwalk at the Salt Pond on Sint Maarten, designed specifically for birdwatching enthusiasts. Here, she received insights into the diverse local avian species, enhancing her appreciation for the island’s natural beauty.
Read more below the photo.
Princess Beatrix arrives at the boardwalk.
Following her nature walk, a delightful boat excursion was planned along the breathtaking Mullet Bay, recognized as the island’s sole Ramsar nature reserve. The Ramsar Convention, established by UNESCO, endeavors to preserve wetlands of international significance. As the boat, aptly named Queen Beatrix, glided past the idyllic Little Key Island, the princess admired the mangroves planted in this vital ecosystem.
Read more below the post.
Donderdag – Princess Juliana International Airport
In the afternoon, Princess Beatrix proudly reopened the Princess Juliana International Airport, a significant infrastructure site that had suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017. By unveiling a commemorative plaque, she honored her mother and marked a renewed chapter for the airport.
Wednesday – Planting new life
On Wednesday, the princess began her day at Emilio Wilson Park, a site with historical significance, originally a plantation where enslaved individuals were forced to work. Now a vital area for both historical and ecological preservation, she partook in a short nature walk and creatively engaged the community through poetry and storytelling, culminating her visit by planting a native tree to enhance the park’s biodiversity.
Read more below the post.
Wednesday – Interactive lesson
Later in the day, Princess Beatrix participated in an interactive learning session at Milton Peters College, focusing on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), a crucial process aimed at sustainable ocean resource management. During this engaging lesson, students role-played various stakeholders, simulating real-world negotiations within the MSP framework.
Read more below the photos.
Princess Beatrix with the students of Milton Peters College. Princess Beatrix walks on Sint Maarten (2024).
Wednesday – Conservation and environmental education
In the afternoon, she visited the Perpetual Plastics initiative, a project run by EPIC Sint Maarten, an NGO dedicated to environmental conservation and educational outreach. At this innovative workshop, local plastics are revamped into functional products. Embracing the tropical flair, the princess donned a vibrant blue blouse with a cheerful print for the occasion, embodying the island’s lively spirit.
Read more below the photos.
Princess Beatrix is talking to employees of EPIC Sint Maarten. Princess Beatrix receives an explanation about the project and views products made from recycled plastic.
Tuesday – Arrival on Sint Maarten
Princess Beatrix touched down in Sint Maarten late Tuesday evening, Dutch time. This visit is not her first, as she has long cherished the Caribbean islands and their vibrant culture.
Read more below the post.
Princess Beatrix’s four-day expedition across Sint Maarten and Saba is dedicated to the impactful work of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and various social initiatives on the islands. The princess serves as the patroness of DCNA.
Princess Beatrix in the Caribbean
The visit will continue until Friday, concluding with her time in Saba on November 15.
Do you want to stay informed about Princess Beatrix’s journey? Then follow us on social media, where we report live from the islands. We also share the latest news on the website.
Image: Blauw Bloed, NLbeeld, Instagram @koninklijkhuis
Beautiful Blue Blood Day at Soestdijk Palace
Beautiful Blue Blood Day at Soestdijk Palace
Blauw Bloed and Soestdijk Palace are organizing a unique event on Thursday, November 21. Don’t miss it!
Buy your tickets here
What initiatives is Princess Beatrix supporting at the Perpetual Plastics project to promote sustainable practices?
Shown engaging with locals at the Perpetual Plastics project, offering her encouragement and support for sustainable practices. It’s heartening to see a royal figure taking an active role in promoting environmental awareness and community involvement.
Tuesday – Arrival and Anticipation
Princess Beatrix’s visit to Sint Maarten commenced on Tuesday evening, adding another chapter to her longstanding affection for the Caribbean. This four-day journey is not merely a royal affair but also a profound dedication to the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance. It exemplifies her commitment to environmental advocacy, proving that royal status can indeed be intertwined with meaningful activism.
Your Invitation to Follow Along!
This exciting journey wraps up on Friday, November 15, and the royal family encourages everyone to stay connected. For those wishing to witness her in domestic tranquility amidst these scenic islands, follow their social media for snippets and snapshots of her adventures. From planting efforts to quiet moments by the sea, you won’t want to miss a minute of her Caribbean excursion!
Beautiful Blue Blood Day at Soestdijk Palace
Don’t miss the chance to join us at Soestdijk Palace on November 21 for a unique event. Tickets are available now!
Princess Beatrix’s Caribbean adventure has been a splendid blend of ecological stewardship and royal duties. From tree planting and airport inaugurations to engaging with students on crucial environmental issues, her presence embodies a passion for preserving nature while inspiring others along the way. Keep an eye out for more updates as her journey continues to unfold!
