Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) – Past Reigns

Terminology

Over the years, some of you have shared your strong feelings about the terms I use. I prefer more well-know, accessible, or plain English terms (Red). Some of you prefer the more formal & correct (Blue). These toggle switches allow you to choose what terminology appears on the site.

King of …

Belgium the Belgians

Info

English Translation of the Spanish Title “Infante/a”

Prince/ss Infante/a

Info

Princess of Wales’s Name

Kate Catherine

Info

How to Deal with Andrew in Old Posts

As a practice, Gert’s Royals uses the title the royal held at the time of the event being described. (e.g. Prince Charles before his reign, King Charles during reign). For posts cover events before October 30th, 2025, Andrew is usually listed as Prince Andrew. If you do not wish to see Andrew referred to by his old title, you can use this toggle.

References to Andrew before Oct 30th, 2025

Andrew
Mountbatten-Windsor Prince
Andrew

Info

For posts related to events after October 30th, 2025, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will always be used. There is no option to change that.

King Willem III’s Reign

The holiday was created in 1885 to celebrate the 5th birthday of Princess Wilhelmina, heir to the throne. King Willem III wasn’t super popular then, so they thought celebrating the heir’s birthday would be good. The holiday was called Prinsessedag (Princess’s Day) and was celebrated on August 31st, Princess Wilhelmina’s Birthday.

Queen Wilhelmina’s Reign (1890 to 1948)

During Queen Wilhelmina’s reign the holiday was renamed Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) and became the Monarch’s Official Birthday Celebration. The holiday continued to be celebrated on August 31st, Wilhelmina’s birthday.

Wilhelmina became Queen at age 10, so she had no heir at the time for the tradition of Princess’s (or Prince’s) Day to continue.

Queen Juliana’s Reign

Queen Juliana moved Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) to her own birthday, April 30th. Juliana marked the day by receiving a floral parade at Soestdijk Palace, a tradition already started from when she was a Princess. Originally the floral parade was started at Soestdijk Palace to mark her grandmother, Queen (Consort) Emma’s Birthday.