‘Blessed’ Beatrix visits her beloved Curaçao | Inland

At the end of the last century, Beatrix visited the island to support the victims of Hurricane Lenny. During the visit she got a big splash of seawater over her, which resulted in a famous photo of the then 61-year-old Beatrix on which her haircut was completely out of shape. Curaçaoans decided that Beatrix was “blessed” from then on. The princess then visited the island several more times.

For many residents of Curaçao, but also for those of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius, Beatrix remains “our queen.” The princess has shared joys and sorrows with the inhabitants of the former Antilles for so long that she has not lost that special place in their hearts and probably will not soon.

Coral

The princess has a very busy Curaçao trip this fall. She only has three full days, but the schedule is extensive. The visit is mainly about nature conservation and the effects of the corona pandemic. Among other things, she follows a nature lesson for school children, she is present at the release of a flamingo that has recovered after a stay in a veterinary clinic and she is given an explanation about the breeding of coral larvae. The critters can stimulate the growth of new coral. The princess also opens an underwater park and visits a mangrove park that is being constructed in Willemstad.

Beatrix also talks to care professionals, parents, a foster family and the children themselves about the importance of this care option. She then visits a neighborhood food forest, which provides food to local residents who are having a hard time due to the corona crisis. There are trees and plants that the local residents take care of themselves and use to supplement their diet. Towards the end of her trip, Beatrix visits the Aliansa foundation. This organization is committed to the shelter of female victims of domestic violence.

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