Tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher is among the 2,819 people given decorations in king Willem-Alexander’s traditional birthday honours list.

The awards committee said Schiffmacher is being recognized for his contribution to winning acceptance for tattoo culture in large parts of society and for working to improve hygiene and safety standards.

TV presenter Astrid Joosten, who has been on television for almost 35 years, was also among the recipients of an award. Not only are her programmes informative and educational, but Joosten also works hard for good causes, said Amsterdam mayor Eberhard van der Laan, who presented her award.

Most of the awards went, as usual, to ordinary people in recognition of their contribution to society.

One of the oldest recipients this year is 99-year-old Mrs De Groot from Sliedrecht who has volunteered for the Salvation Army since 1936.

Most people were made members of the Order of Oranje-Nassau – which has six levels. That honour was introduced in 1892 for foreigners and the ‘lower classes’. The first Dutch honour was introduced by king Willem 1 in 1815.

Henk Schiffmacher, vroeger wonend en stamgast van Richter in de Reguliers, is vandaag onderscheiden een lintje: pic.twitter.com/aXwrVjJ3YK

— Reguliersdwarsstraat (@Reguliers) April 26, 2017