DutchNews.nl - Prince to sell Mozambique holiday home

Crown prince Willem-Alexander and princess Maxima are to sell their holiday home currently being built in Mozambique because of the negative publicity surrounding the project.

The prince has written to prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende informing him of the decision, just one day after the premier updated parliament on the couple's plans.

In the letter, the prince said he had hoped the exclusive project on the Machangulo peninsula would bring benefits to the local population as well as providing a private holiday home for his family. But the publicity surrounding the prince's participation in the project was putting that at risk, he wrote.

'This discussion is costing a lot of time and energy which, in this time of crisis, should be directed at other issues,' the prince said. 'That also goes for our work for and in the Netherlands.'

There has been growing speculation about corruption, environmental damage and a lack of investment for the local population in connection with the property development project, which also involves a number of the prince's friends.

MPs and royalist groups had urged the prince to pull out, saying his continued involvement is damaging the monarchy.

poor prince

By mr w | November 20, 2009 3:25 PM

Maybe the Royals should give away their €40 million allowance next year to poor families in the Netherland as a way to regain popularity. Who is going to buy that house anyway??? Pehaps the father of Maxima will.

By zen | November 20, 2009 4:58 PM

i think they should look after the situations at home before they go an expend money else ware, his own people need the help right now, people are loosing their homes, business are suffering if they are not gone yet, doesn’t take a genius to know that in time of crisis you cant go around showing people they have all that money to spend when their own country can use a little help and support

By Kristy | November 20, 2009 7:37 PM

I thought that he did not care about his popularity, even it is only 5% left over, he will be still the king of Netherlands

By DL | November 21, 2009 1:05 PM

This is a great pity. The Prince and Princess are already making a very positive impact on the local community and with continued presence will play a vital role in uplifting a very impoverished area. The development is bringing in very necessary foreign investment. Instead of looking after their own interests, the Dutch people should look further at areas like Machangulo where they can make a huge difference.

By Basie | November 23, 2009 3:00 PM