Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands's schedule is jam-packed as they prepare for Tuesday's inauguration ceremony. The future king was joined by his Argentinian wife in celebrating the King's Games on Friday morning. The nationwide event saw more than one million schoolchildren gather to participate in sporting activities.
When the 45-year-old was asked what he was enjoying most about his upcoming accession to the throne, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander said he appreciated the "enthusiasm with which everyone has looked forward to this". The royal couple were surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic youngsters wearing bright orange t-shirts in honour of the colour of the Dutch royals. The pair formally opened the games in the eastern Dutch city of Enschede. A special Koningsontbijt (breakfast) was also organised in celebration of his ascension. It is the couple's last official engagement before his mother Queen Beatrix abdicates on 30 April.
The king-to-be will celebrate his 46th birthday on Saturday ahead of taking on his new role. He revealed that there will be no public event to mark him turning 46. He will no doubt spend time with his wife Crown Princess Maxima and their three adorable daughters Princesses Amalia, Alexia and Ariane on Saturday. Tuesday's abdication will take place on Queen's Day, a popular celebration of the House of Orange when the Dutch dress up in the distinctive royal colour and party into the night. It is expected to be the biggest royal gathering since Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Willem will become the country's first king in more than a century when his mother abdicates after 30 years on the throne. In the biggest event in The Netherlands' royal calendar for several years, his 41-year-old wife will become his Queen consort. He is already showing confidence ahead of becoming king, demonstrating his desire to create a relatively laid-back monarchy. "I'm not obsessed with protocol. I will be king, but also a human being," he explained in an interview with Dutch journalists.
