King’s Day 2020 has been cancelled by the county of Maastricht and the province of Limburg to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. King’s Day was due to be celebrated in Maastricht on 27 April, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

Although the measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are currently set to last until 6 April, it means that there won’t be enough time to properly prepare for the large-scale event. It is also likely that the current measures could be extended.

The celebrations for King’s Day could be moved to a later date and the invitation to Maastricht stays in place for the Royal Family.

Last year’s King’s Day took place in Amersfoort with the King calling it an “amazing party.” The visit began with a performance by artist Wudstik and a children’s choir who say the song “Mooi” (beautiful). Then the family walked about a kilometre through the city itself. King Willem-Alexander was accompanied by his wife Queen Máxima, their three daughters, his brother Prince Constantijn and his wife Princess Laurentien, his cousins Prince Maurits and his wife Princess Marilène, Prince Pieter-Christiaan and his wife Princess Anita, Prince Floris and his wife Princess Aimée and Prince Bernhard and his wife Princess Annette.