This afternoon, Queen Maxima presented the Appeltjes Van Oranje Awards from the Oranje Fonds at Noordeinde Palace. King Willem-Alexander also attended the ceremony.

This year’s Appeltjes Van Oranje Awards focused on the theme ‘Mental Strength’ and the prizes were awarded to three social initiatives, Ixta Noa, Friends Services Foundation, and Expertise Center Education Care, in which volunteers help people with mental health problems. The prize consists of a bronze statuette - designed by Princess Beatrix - and a cash prize of 15,000 euros.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are patrons of the Oranje Fonds. King Willem-Alexander presents the prizes in anniversary years, while Queen Maxima presents them in all other years.

Queen Maxima wore a new blue Natan Couture dress with her Gianvito Rossi pumps and Bottega Veneta gold clutch. She also wore her Dinh Van bracelet.