King Takes to the Ice in Dokkum, Recreating 1986 Feat
A standout moment of the 2026 King's Day celebrations was King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima skating on a specially constructed ice rink in Dokkum . The rink was built to recreate the atmosphere of the 1986 Elfstedentocht, in which the then-prince famously completed the 200-kilometre tour under the pseudonym W.A. van Buren .
Skating Highlights:
Queen Máxima removed her heels and joined the king on the ice
Princess Ariane also tried skating, laughing alongside her parents
The King was presented with a jacket bearing the name "W.A. van Buren"
The royal couple received cheering from crowds of onlookers
The king later commented that forty years ago he had been eager to leave Dokkum after the race, but this time he longed to return and skate again .
