The Netherlands wears orange to celebrate its king during the Koningsdag (photos)

toThe Netherlands was decked out in orange on Saturday to celebrate the 57th birthday of its King Willem-Alexander. The kingdom celebrates its queen every year on her birthday during “Koningsdag” (or “Koninginnedag” when the queen is at the head of the country).

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and their three daughters Amalia, Alexia and Ariane arrived in Emmen, Drenthe province, on Saturday morning to attend the national celebrations. Upon their arrival, Bouke & The ElvisMatters sang a birthday song for the King. The Queen joined them in singing.

Other members of the Dutch royal family are scheduled to participate in the celebration of the King’s birthday, such as the King’s brother, Prince Constantine, and his wife, Princess Laurentian, or the King’s cousins, Princes Floris and Peter Christian. Other older members, such as Willem-Alexander’s mother and former queen, Princess Beatrix, or the king’s aunt, Princess Margaret, have not attended for years.

During the Koningsdag, the Dutch royal family travels to various places in the country, where dancing and other games are featured in the program.

Along the royal procession, hundreds of people flock to catch a glimpse of the royal family or shake hands with Willem-Alexander. The procession is also admired from balconies and popular with photographers.

For the first time in more than twenty years, Koningsdag is celebrated in Drenthe Province.