Traditional Start of King's Day with the King’s March
Once again, King Willem-Alexander's birthday will not go unnoticed in Den Helder this year. In addition to the flea market and festivities in the city, there is also plenty of military ceremony to admire for enthusiasts.
On Friday afternoon, April 26, the Korps Adelborsten will march through the city center of Den Helder. It is a tradition that many Nieuwendiepers remember well, a tradition that we continue to honor to this day. The King’s March is accompanied by music and starts at 14:30 from the Medemblik building on Willemsoord. More than 150 Adelborsten will follow a route through the city, passing locations such as Spoorstraat and Beatrixstraat. After this route, the march will conclude around 15:45 back at Willemsoord.
Military Salute with 101 Shots
In addition to the King’s March, residents and visitors can expect even more spectacle at Willemsoord the next day. On Saturday, April 27, a ceremonial salute will be given three times. This is a tribute to the Royal Family, in which shots are fired using only gunpowder, without ammunition. It is an age-old military tradition originally used at sea as a greeting and still practiced today as a mark of respect.
To honor the King's birthday, the salute will take place at 09:30, 12:00, and 15:00 at Dukdalf, consisting of 33, 35, and 33 shots, respectively.