Royal visit
The war has severed all contacts with the Netherlands. This makes the contacts with the Dutch government in London and with the Royal family closer than ever before. Ministers visit on their trips from London to Washington.
Royal visitors
In October 1942, Prince Bernhard is the first member of the Royal family to visit Curaçao, Aruba and Surinam in a hundred years. In November 1943, Princess Juliana follows suit and also visits Bonaire and Sint Maarten.
Enthusiasm
Juliana and Bernhard are received with enthusiasm. Queen’s Day - the celebration of the queens's birthday - is also a huge event every year with parties and parades. The Creole population in particular are strong supporters of the House of Orange. They see King Willem III (1817-1890) as the person who ended slavery.
