The Dutch royal family is basking in the glow of a rare double victory this week. Not only did the Netherlands clinch the women’s football World Cup, but the men’s team followed suit, sparking jubilant street parties from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. But beyond the sporting achievement, something else is catching the eye of monarchy watchers: the way the House of Orange-Nassau is handling the celebrations, and what it might mean for the Windsors.
On the surface, this is a story of national pride. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were seen cheering from the stands, their children beside them, embodying a relaxed, approachable royalty that feels distinctly modern. They didn't just wave from a balcony. They waded into crowds, hugged players, and shared laughs with fans. It was a masterclass in soft power, a reminder that a monarchy can be both revered and relatable.
But for those of us who spend our days decoding the subtle signals of royal behaviour, this is a pointed contrast to the British model. Across the North Sea, the British royal family has been navigating a different set of challenges. A coronation, yes, but also a cost-of-living crisis, debates about relevance, and a younger generation finding its feet under intense scrutiny. The Dutch royals, by contrast, seem to have cracked a code. Their public engagements are less stuffy, their security less overwhelming, their image less burdened by centuries of pageantry.
What does this mean for the British monarchy? It is a quiet but persistent reminder that there are other ways to be royal. The Dutch have proven that you can maintain tradition while feeling human. Their celebrations this week were not just about football. They were about identity. A small, flat country with a big heart, punching above its weight. And a royal family that knows how to be part of the story without dominating it.
On the streets of London this week, I spoke to people who had watched the Dutch celebrations online. There was a palpable envy. "Why can't we have that?" one woman said, gesturing at a screen showing Queen Máxima laughing with fans. It is a question that lingers. The British monarchy has survived wars, scandals, and a pandemic. But the real test in this century may be about warmth. The Dutch royals are showing that it is possible.
Of course, the British family has its own strengths. The late Queen Elizabeth II was a master of dignified distance. King Charles III is more hands-on, but still carries the weight of history. The Dutch model is smaller, less formal, and perhaps more suited to a world that craves authenticity. As the Dutch brand their double triumph, royal observers are taking notes. The House of Orange-Nassau just gave a masterclass. And the lesson is clear: to survive, a monarchy must evolve. Or risk becoming a museum piece.