Dutch delight
This year the Dutch Embassy celebrated Queen Beatrix’s birthday in the historic surroundings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, founded in 1682 by King Charles II, fatherin-law to William of Orange. A magnificent painting of the King presided over the reception, at which guests were treated to Dutch delicacies and beer, while enjoying music from the Royal Netherlands Military Police and admiring the orange tulip flower arrangements designed by the Ambassador’s wife, Cordula. The highlight of the evening was a rousing rendition of Het Wilhelmus, believed to be the oldest national anthem in the world.