Princess Beatrix to attend 450th Dies Natalis
image: RVD - Gemmy Woud-Binnendijk
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands will attend the Dies Natalis ceremony at Leiden's Pieterskerk on Friday 7 February to celebrate our 450th anniversary.
Leiden University and the Dutch Royal Family have ties going back to 1575 when William of Orange founded the university. Princess Beatrix is an alumnus and honourary doctor of Leiden University and a LUF patron.
‘We are delighted and honoured that Princess Beatrix will attend our 450th Dies Natalis. We look forward to an extra-special celebration’, said Annetje Ottow, President of the Executive Board.
The programme for the Dies Natalis includes a speech by Professor of Legal History Egbert Koops, the conferral of three honorary doctorates and the Gratama Science Award for active young researchers. Following tradition, the proceedings will conclude with the singing of the Dutch national anthem, Het Wilhelmus. Princess Beatrix will then speak to a number of guests.