On Friday, April 26th, 2024, at 7:00 am (local time), the special edition of Staatscourant was published, including a list of the individuals who were awarded a Royal Decoration this year. This festive occasion is related to the birthday of His Majesty, King Willem-Alexander, who is the Grand Master of the decorations. Decorations are awarded to individuals who have made a special contribution to society.
This year, 18 individuals will be decorated. The ‘Lintjesregen’ in Aruba is taking place today. The following individuals will be decorated as ‘Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau’:
• Mrs. Nicole Lucia Maria Hoevertsz.
The following individuals will be decorated as ‘Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau’:
• Mr. Hendrikus Antonio Eldemiro van Gaalen;
• Mr. Ricardo Omar Gogorza;
• Mr. Gerard Leendert van Vliet;
• Mrs. Annemarie Johanna van Vliet-Melchers.
The following individuals will be decorated as ‘Members in the Order of Orange-Nassau’:
• Mr. Ronald Paul van den Berg;
• Mr. Hugh Drummond Connor;
• Mrs. Désirée Geneviève Croes;
• Mrs. Jeanette Violette Ivony Croes-Fingal;
• Mrs. Swinda Martha Claire Dumfries;
• Mrs. Martha Esmeralda Gomez-Winterdaal;
• Mrs. Mirtha Maria Cabrini de Haseth-Bislik;
• Mr. Edgard Cristobal Kelkboom;
• Mrs. Wilma Valeria Kuiperi-Jansen;
• Mrs. Gertruida Margarita Lampe-Jansen;
• Mrs. Helena Carmen Maduro;
• Mr. Robert Anthony Reeberg;
• Mr. Dionisio Fecito Richardson.
About the Order of Orange-Nassau:
The Order of Orange-Nassau has a rich history dating back to 1892 when Queen Emma established the order. The goal was to honor citizens for their contributions to Dutch society. The order takes its name from the House of Orange-Nassau, the Royal Family of the Netherlands.
Since its creation, the order has undergone various changes, including an expansion of the number of titles and adjustments in the criteria for awarding. The order has different ranks, including Knight, Officer, and Commander, and also the lowest rank, such as Member and Knight of the First Class.
Over the years, the order has been awarded to a wide range of people, including scientists, artists, politicians, military personnel, and civic leaders. It is a way for the Netherlands to express gratitude for the efforts and merits of its citizens.
Over time, there have also been reforms to modernize the order and adapt it to changing norms and social values. However, the order remains an important recognition of merit and service to society.
