Crown prince Willem-Alexander paid a surprise visit to Dutch troops in Afghanistan on Wednesday and Thursday.

In a speech to the troops, the prince referred to the pending withdrawal of the Dutch armed forces.
‘We are not leaving. We are handing over our responsibilities to others who continue the work just as well,’ he was quoted as saying.
It is still not clear who will replace the 1,600 Dutch soldiers and support staff in the southern province of Uruzgan once the withdrawal begins in August.
It was the prince’s fourth visit to the region.
Many soldiers are disappointed that the Netherlands is leaving, the Volkskrant reports. ‘Twenty-one dead and more than 100 injured. Has it all been for nothing,’ one soldier said.
‘We have achieved so much, but the work has not been finished. It is such a shame to leave now,’ said another.