Dutch royals to visit German town for Prince Claus's 100th birthday

The Dutch royal family is set to visit Hitzacker, Germany, next month to commemorate a significant anniversary. King Willem-Alexander, his mother Princess Beatrix, and his brother Prince Constantijn are scheduled to visit the Lower Saxony town on September 6.

The visit marks the 100th birthday of Prince Claus, Queen Beatrix's late husband, who was born in Hitzacker on September 6, 1926, as Claus von Amsberg. Prince Claus passed away in 2002.

During their visit, the royal delegation will be informed about the Oranjeroute, a roughly 2,300-kilometer route for hiking and cycling that passes through German cities and towns with historical ties to the Dutch royal house. Following this, King Willem-Alexander will officially replant a "Royal Linden" tree. This tree was originally planted by the town of Hitzacker in 2013 to celebrate his enthronement and has recently been relocated.

The royal guests will also visit a monument dedicated to Prince Claus and walk along the Prince Claus Promenade, which was inaugurated by Princess Beatrix in 2014. The visit highlights the enduring connection between the Dutch monarchy and the German town where Prince Claus was born.