An annual survey conducted by public broadcaster NOS shows that the queen’s popularity increased even further in the past year.

Of those interviewed, 81 percent was either satisfied or very satisfied about the queen, compared to 77 percent in 2011. Queen Beatrix is seen as involved, compassionate, humane and less as formal and aloof. Eight in ten Dutch citizens are satisfied with the queen’s reign.

However, Princess Máxima remains the most popular member of the Dutch royal family, with the queen and Prince Willem-Alexander in second and third place.

These are the results of the annual Queen’s Day survey carried out among 20,000 people by current affairs programme EenVandaag Máxima received 62 percent of the votes, Queen Beatrix 52 percent and Crown Prince Willem-Alexander 34 percent.

This year, the royal family will spend Queen’s Day in the towns of Rhenen and Veenendaal, both located in the central province of Utrecht.

(gsh)

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