Netherlands marks king’s 50th birthday

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Netherlands marked the 50th birthday of King Willem-Alexander on Thursday with orange-clad citizens holding parties and street sales throughout the country.

The monarch and his family spent King’s Day in the city of Tilburg, where thousands of people — many wearing inflatable orange crowns — lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Willem-Alexander, his Argentine-born wife, Maxima, and their three daughters.

“I’m very happy. It’s my birthday and I can celebrate it together with so many people,” Willem-Alexander told national broadcaster NOS as he walked through the crowded streets. “The whole of Tilburg is like a warm bath.”

Amsterdam’s landmark Vondelpark was reserved for children to sell old toys and clothes, while boats carrying revelers and sightseers drifted along the Dutch capital’s historic network of canals.