Statement by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands after the tragic incident on Queen’s Day

Apeldoorn, 30 April 2009

Queen Beatrix called the incident a terrible tragedy that 'shocked us all deeply'.

On 30 April, a car ploughed into a crowd of people celebrating Queen's Day in Apeldoorn. Seven people were killed, and another ten were injured, some of them seriously.

Statement by Her Majesty the Queen

'What began as a beautiful day ended in a terrible tragedy that shocked us all deeply. People who were there, those who saw the incident on television, anyone who witnessed it could only look on in stunned disbelief. We are left speechless at the idea that such a terrible thing could happen. My family and I, and I think everyone in the country, feel deeply for the victims, their families and friends, and all those who were affected by this incident.'