Home » Skating stories » W.A. van Buren (King Willem Alexander)

"Royal klunen"

Before the winner received the victory wreath at the Frieslandhallen, all eyes in Friesland were on someone else: W.A. van Buren. Later in the morning, presenter Mart Smeets announced, "This race has received a royal touch." The participant registered under the name W.A. van Buren was none other than 18-year-old Crown Prince Willem-Alexander.

At that time, the King (then Crown Prince) was not a member of the association. A few days before the race, the provincial government of Friesland received a request to make an exception for the prince.

Just before two o'clock, the prince arrived at the Harlingen checkpoint to great attention, and over an hour later, he reached Franeker, where he was serenaded by the enthusiastic crowd, accompanied by a brass band: "Willem, Willem!" Then came the toughest part of the journey: about 80 kilometres from Franeker (via Dokkum) to Leeuwarden, which took Willem-Alexander more than eight hours. But he reached the Bonkevaart, where, after crossing the finish line, he was embraced by his proud parents.

Afterwards, the prince, with a slight the Hague accent, was soon able to speak to presenter Mart Smeets. "The longest I've ever ridden is 65 kilometres." Moreover, he only decided to participate two days before the race. "It was a bet with a friend. I said I could finish it."

Text: NOS.nl
Photos: Soenar Chamid (Schaatsen.nl)

Album W.A. van Buren (King Willem Alexander)
King Willem Alexander- Tocht 1986

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