Man Gets Close to King Willem-Alexander During Ursem Visit, Is Searched but Not Arrested
A man got past royal protection officers and approached King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands during an official visit to the village of Ursem in North Holland. Hello! Magazine reported the incident, which took place during the king's visit on Friday afternoon, 30 October.
The visit had been announced in advance. On 13 October, the Royal House, the office that organises the king's public engagements, said he would visit Ursem, which is part of the municipality of Koggenland. The Royal House's agenda entry for the visit now lists the event as having already taken place.
According to Hello! Magazine's report, the man came unexpectedly close to the king. The king looked startled and raised his hands. The man appeared distressed and confused, and told those around him that he needed help.
The king tried to calm him before officers escorted him away. The man was searched, but he was not arrested.
The Netherlands Government Information Service, the government body that handles official communications, said there was "no question of an attack." It said the man wanted to convey his message to the king.
The king's programme in Ursem went on beyond the incident. Hello! Magazine reported that he also visited a fire station, a cafe, and a residential facility for young people with disabilities.
Dutch royal visits are usually planned with the local council and police, and they are often open to the public, which means the king meets people on foot at close range. Such moments are rare, but they are not unknown.
