Latest news with #DutchRoyalFamily
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
The Dutch queen unveils a bell made from Russian weapons to show solidarity with Ukraine
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands handed over a bell made partly from Russian weapons to a church in the Czech Republic on Thursday in a sign of solidarity with Ukraine. Known as the Bell of Freedom, it was manufactured by the Dutch Royal Eijsbouts bell foundry that used fragments of artillery shells and other weapons fired by Russia against Ukraine. 'This bell has a lot of symbolism in it and it's a very special project for us,' the owner of the bell foundry, Joost Eijsbouts, told the Czech public radio. 'To use material designed for violence and turn it into something peaceful is a good idea.' The bell will be installed in the tower of the Church of the Holy Saviour in Prague, in place of one of the original bells that were seized by the Austro-Hungarian army and turned into weapons during World War I. The Czech Republic and the Netherlands support Ukraine in its fight against Russian troops. The ceremony at the church, attended by Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva, was meant to be one of the highlights of the Dutch royal couple's stay in Prague. But King Willem-Alexander had to cut short the trip and returned home late Wednesday due to the collapse of the Dutch government.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Trusted Interior Designer of the Dutch Royal Family Sells Her Villa in Marbella for €10.8 Million
Dutch royal family's interior designer lists her Marbella villa for €10.8M. Sale managed by Pure Living Properties in exclusive Los Monteros Playa. MARBELLA, MALAGA, SPAIN, May 13, 2025 / / -- Renowned interior designer Mariska Dietz, trusted by the Dutch royal family and a close friend of Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, has put her spectacular residence in Marbella on the market: Villa Las Tortugas. The luxury real estate agency Pure Living Properties, a specialist in the premium property market, is handling the sale of this property located in the Los Monteros Playa area, with an asking price of €10,850,000. Set on a 3,683 m² plot, this unique estate comprises three independent properties, spacious gardens, various terraces, a sea-view swimming pool, and a gym, among other luxury features. The main villa, spread over two levels, boasts seven en-suite bedrooms, where traditional Andalusian architecture blends seamlessly with tropical design elements and high-end finishes. The interiors, spanning 1,193 m², have been meticulously designed by Mariska Dietz herself to maximise natural light and a sense of spaciousness, creating a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere, which she describes as her 'Mediterranean dream'. Sustainable materials, such as clay walls and solar panels, reinforce the villa's commitment to efficiency without compromising on aesthetics. 'Villa Las Tortugas is a work of art in itself. Every corner has been designed with clear intention, making it a truly unique property. What's more, it's extraordinarily rare to find a triple plot with three homes in one of Marbella's finest areas. This combination of exclusivity, privacy, and space positions it as one of the best opportunities on Marbella's current property market,' says Javier Nieto, CEO of Pure Living Properties. A Design with Character and Soul Every corner of Villa Las Tortugas reflects the artistic vision and talent of Mariska Dietz, who has worked with international elites and European royalty. 'When I designed this villa, my goal was for every room to tell a story and evoke emotions. It's not just a house – it's a sensory experience,' explains the interior designer, who also designed a mansion in Bel-Air, Los Angeles, purchased by world-renowned singer The Weeknd. At Villa Las Tortugas, the outdoor spaces have been designed to seamlessly integrate with the Mediterranean surroundings. The central courtyard, open and covered terraces, and private pool with open-concept bar create a unique atmosphere, especially crafted to enjoy Marbella's year-round sunshine. Inside, the designer plays with unexpected textures and shapes, combining pieces from different eras and origins. 'I always try to bring a touch of humour and a relaxed feel to every space. Interiors that are too serious lose their soul,' she says. The main living room blends sculptural elements with vintage furniture, bamboo lighting, and abstract art, while the master bedroom, featuring a canopy bed and sand-toned textiles, evokes a deep sense of calm. With steady appreciation and a prime location, Los Monteros – one of Marbella's earliest luxury residential areas – stands out as one of the best places to invest in the city in 2025. According to Pure Living Properties, a real estate agency specialising in premium areas, demand has been steadily increasing, while supply remains limited, particularly in the Los Monteros Playa area, resulting in significant price growth in recent years. Data from Idealista indicates that property prices in the area have seen a monthly increase of +1.3% and a quarterly rise of +3.9% — one of the highest in Marbella during this period — bringing the average price to €4,687/m². This highlights the strength of demand and the vibrancy of the local market. Furthermore, its strategic location just 10 minutes from Marbella centre and 40 minutes from Málaga International Airport makes it a highly attractive option for both buyers and investors. 'Los Monteros is one of the areas with the greatest growth potential in Marbella. Its exclusivity, privacy, and strategic location have made it a hotspot for high-level investments. Demand over the past year has grown exponentially, and forecasts indicate that it will continue to strengthen its position as a key area in the luxury real estate market. Moreover, supply here is very limited, so each property for sale is a rare opportunity,' says Nieto. One of the Most Exclusive Investments in East Marbella Los Monteros Playa is one of Marbella's most privileged and discreet areas, chosen by those seeking tranquillity, security, and direct beach access. In recent years, East Marbella has experienced sustained growth in demand for luxury properties, solidifying its status as one of the areas with the highest potential for appreciation. 'This villa represents the best of luxury design and Marbella exclusivity. Its combination of privacy, high-quality architecture, and an unbeatable location make it one of the standout properties on today's market,' says the CEO of Pure Living Properties. The appeal of Los Monteros has not gone unnoticed by major players in the hospitality and real estate industries. The reopening of the iconic Hotel Los Monteros under the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand in March 2025 marked a new milestone for the area, further cementing its reputation as a top destination for international investors. Interest from investors in the United States, the Middle East, and Europe has grown significantly in recent years. As a result, growth in Los Monteros has outpaced other areas in East Marbella, making it a safe bet for those seeking a high-return, appreciating property asset. About Pure Living Properties Pure Living Properties is a luxury real estate agency located in the heart of Marbella's Golden Mile, within the prestigious Hotel Puente Romano. With an impressive track record in the sale and rental of high-end properties, its international team and exclusive portfolio have positioned the agency as a market leader in Marbella's premium real estate sector. Pure Living Properties is distinguished by its bespoke service, tailored to meet the needs of a demanding clientele seeking properties in the most exclusive locations on the Costa del Sol. Carmen Durán CARMEN DURÁN COMUNICACIÓN +34 696 92 97 45 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
CBC
12-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Royal birth at Ottawa hospital celebrated with tulips 80 years after liberation of Netherlands
It's a story that's become part of the lore of the City of Ottawa. During the Second World War, members of the Dutch royal family were given safe haven in Canada to escape the Nazi occupation of their country. On Jan. 19, 1943, Princess Margriet was born at what was then the Ottawa Civic Hospital to Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. "It was a ray of light in the midst of war. Everybody in the Netherlands knew about it, from the secret radio [transmissions]," said Margriet Vonno, ambassador to Canada from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A government proclamation declared the maternity ward of the Civic temporarily extraterritorial, which meant the new princess could be born a Dutch citizen despite entering the world on Canadian soil. "It was a bleak time. [Dutch] people were hungry, they were beaten," said Vonno. "And then there was a new princess being born, and the idea that the royal family could return — that we could return to normal." At the Civic campus of The Ottawa Hospital on Monday, the ambassador handed out bouquets of tulips to hospital staff. More flowers were sent inside to be shared with patients. The gesture was meant as a thank you for keeping the Dutch royal family's legacy alive, more than 80 years after the princess was born at the hospital. It was also an opportunity for The Ottawa Hospital to demonstrate how the royal birth story will be preserved when it moves to a gleaming new facility that's currently under construction just down Carling Avenue. "That legacy of Princess Margriet and Queen Juliana is part of the history of this organization," said Ottawa Hospital president and CEO Cameron Love. Love said it's a story the hospital is determined to keep telling after it moves to the new facility, slated to open in 2028. "We're still in the process of determining how best to commemorate that legacy," he said. "It's too early to say exactly how that's going to be structured." This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, and for many Dutch people it's a part of their family stories. "My parents were liberated by Canadian soldiers," said Vonno. "My father was four years old. He got his first bar of chocolate from a Canadian soldier." Vonno said Princess Margriet had intended to be in Ottawa to mark the occasion, but a skating mishap prevented her from coming. "Unfortunately, Her Royal Highness couldn't come because she fell while skating," said Vonno, explaining the 82-year-old royal was skating 10 kilometres to raise money for leukemia research when it occurred. "She skated for nine kilometres, 400 meters, and then she fell," said Vonno. Even with an injured arm, the princess wanted to make the trip to Canada, but doctors advised against it, according to Vonno. "It's a very cool princess that we're having," she said admiringly. Vonno said the trip is merely postponed, not cancelled.
