Over 3,400 individuals recognized in annual royal honours ceremony

In a momentous celebration of community spirit, a total of 3,427 individuals received royal honours during this year’s lintjesregen, coinciding with the birthday of King Willem-Alexander on Sunday. Among the distinguished honorees were prominent figures such as Telegraaf court reporter Saskia Belleman and renowned thriller author Willem Hogendoorn, known to many as Tomas Ross.

The majority of recipients, approximately 3,300, were nominated by their local communities in recognition of their dedicated volunteer work. Noteworthy awardees included Abdelhamid Idrissi from Amsterdam, celebrated for establishing after-school homework clubs, DJ Eddy de Clercq, and Lena Olivier-Marten, who was acknowledged for her efforts in combating violence against women.

Women comprised 37 percent of this year’s honourees, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year.

The youngest recipient, Sjoerd de Graaff, aged 25, hails from Capelle and has been involved in local radio since he was just ten years old. The oldest, church volunteer P.S. Roeland, aged 97, resides in Alblasserdam.

The majority of individuals were appointed as members of the Order of Oranje-Nassau, which consists of six levels and was established in 1892 to honour both foreign nationals and ordinary citizens. Only a select few were awarded the more prestigious Order of the Dutch Lion.

According to the Kapittel voor de Civiele Orden, the body responsible for overseeing the honours system, the increase in awards signifies a growing commitment to volunteerism in the Netherlands.

“These honours highlight the positive contributions within our society,” stated chairwoman Ank Bijleveld. “We see active participation in sports clubs, community organisations, churches, synagogues, and mosques, as well as efforts to support the elderly and refugees. This recognition serves as a testament to the society we aspire to create.”

However, the ceremony was not without controversy. Last month, a political dispute arose regarding honours for five volunteers associated with the refugee settlement agency COA. Immigration Minister Marjolein Faber denied approval for these awards, arguing that their work was at odds with her policy.

The tradition of bestowing Dutch honours dates back to 1815, when it was first introduced by King Willem I.