Dutch celebrate 'Queen's Day' with a mixture of pride and sorrow Netherland's Queen Beatrix goes to lay a white rose next to a monument for spectators killed during last year

The Netherlands on Friday kicked off national celebrations honoring their queen, Beatrix, who this year marks the 30th anniversary of her reign.

Under massive police protection, the queen greeted citizens and visitors to the small village of Wemeldinge in the south of the country, accompanied by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima.

Around 1400 Dutch police secured the streets of Wemeldinge. In addition, only invited guests and citizens that had passed security checks were allowed near the royal procession.

For more: Dutch celebrate 'Queen's Day' with a mixture of pride and sorrow | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 30.04.2010