Dutch royals pose for summer portraits in The Hague

The Dutch royal family posed for their annual summer photo session on Wednesday, this time opting for the Hollandse Tuin in the Clingendael park.

King Willem-Alexander, queen Máxima and their three daughters Amalia, Alexia and Ariane, posed for photographers twice a year as part of an agreement to keep the press away from private events, particularly when the girls were younger.

During the session the king spoke to reporters about his concerns about the violent anti-refugee demonstrations which have been taking place in several Dutch towns and villages. While demonstrating is a right, he said, “it is something you do with your voice, not with violence.”

Princess Alexia was also asked about her alleged relationship with pop star Antoon. “There is a lot of speculation and I have not always done the smartest things when it comes to the media,” Alexia said. “I know my values and who I am and who my friends are.”

Asked the question again, Máxima intervened, saying the issue is “private, and that is where we will leave it.”

Máxima was also asked about having a Dutch passport for 25 years and told reporters she looks back over the years with great pleasure. In particular, she said, she is grateful for her “three Dutch children”, and admitted that her Spanish is getting worse.

Máxima is Argentine by birth.