Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands visited the Dutch Church on Friday, 24 April, at the invitation of the Trustees of the Koning Willem Fonds and the Dutch Centre. Three prominent Dutch institutions in the UK mark major milestones in 2015: the Koning Willem Fonds has its 140th anniversary, the successful Dutch Centre is officially opened, and the Dutch Church in Austin Friars will have been a symbol of the flourishing Dutch presence in the City of London for 465 years. These three very different charities together represent the many rich intellectual, cultural, spiritual and compassionate connections between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. We were honoured to have such a senior Member of the Dutch Royal Family and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who is Honorary President of the Koning Willem Fonds.  The funds raised will go in equal measure to the Koning Willem Fonds and the Dutch Centre.

The Worshipful Company of Carpenters were kind enough to host everyone after the event at their hall.  The hall was beautifully decorated and the food and drink royally sumptuous.  The Jubilee was a social highlight for the Anglo‐Dutch community and Broad Street Ward members were delighted to be included.