In The Footsteps Of World Cup’s Dancing Dutch Royals

It’s unusual for Europe’s royals to be seen dancing in public, yet, on Sunday, after tiny Curaçao – a nation of 1.6L people – drew their World Cup match against Ecuador, Dutch king Willem-Alexander and queen Maxima landed in their locker room to shake a leg.

Their joy is understandable, for Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of Netherlands. But the dance? It seems the royal couple were acting on ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes’ advice: “Always keep the people on your side.”
That’s an advice royals everywhere, but especially in Europe, have internalised rapidly in recent years. So, you find Jordan’s next-in-line, Hussein and Rajwa, and Japan’s princess Takamado, cheerleading their teams at the ongoing Cup.

Spain’s king, Felipe, has confirmed attendance, and Sweden’s royals are expected too.