King Willem-Alexander leaves controversial golden coach at the moment: ‘Netherlands are not ready for it yet’ Royal

According to King, Dutch history contains “much to be proud of,” he says in the letter. Meanwhile, it also offers educational materials to learn about and avoid mistakes in the future. We cannot rewrite the past. We can try to come to terms with it together. This also applies to the colonial past.”

According to Willem-Alexander, it makes no sense to condemn and exclude what happened from the perspective of our time, and “simply banning” historical objects and symbols “is not a solution either.” Instead, there is a need for synergies that go deeper and last longer. An effort that unites us rather than divides us.”

For now, the Golden Trainer will remain standing. “As long as there are people living in Holland who feel the pain of discrimination on a daily basis, the past will continue to cast a shadow over our age and will not end yet,” said the king. According to him, we must continue to listen to each other in order to find a solution. “I know we can do it, even if the road is long and difficult. I understand very well everyone’s divergent feelings. Only if we take this path of reconciliation together can the golden coach lead again in Prinsjesdag, the day we celebrate our democracy and solidarity as a Dutch people.”

The Gouden Koets has undergone a renovation in recent years and now stands in a glass enclosure in the courtyard of the Amsterdam Museum. The exhibition is on display until the end of February.