In a historic development, Dutch King Willem-Alexander has offered an apology for his country’s involvement in slavery during the colonial era. The apology came on Saturday, as the Netherlands begins an official event to mark 150 years since the end of slavery in Dutch colonies.

“Today I'm standing here in front of you as your king and as part of the government. Today I am apologising myself," Willem-Alexander said, during the start of the event, being dubbed as “Keti Koti," meaning "breaking chains" in Sranan Togo, a Creole language spoken in Suriname. DW reported that thousands of descendants from the former Dutch colony of Suriname and the Dutch overseas territories of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are participating in the event.

<h2>Dutch PM offered apologies last year</h2>

The apology by the Dutch king follows the apology made by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte last year for the Netherlands' role in past atrocities. This was part of a broader reflection on colonial histories in the Western world, a debate fueled in recent years by the Black Lives Matter movement.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: How the royals profited from slavery

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-the-royals-profited-from-slavery-579936/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Although slavery was officially abolished in Suriname and the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean on July 1, 1863, many enslaved individuals were compelled to continue working on plantations for an additional 10 years. The commemoration and the king’s speech on Saturday marked the beginning of a series of events planned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of July 1, 1873.

<h2>King’s ancestors made millions off slavery</h2>

Recent research revealed that the king's ancestors amassed wealth worth 545 million euros (USD 595 million) from slavery, including profits from shares that were essentially gifted to them. According to a DW report, a total of 600,000 people were transported from Africa to Dutch colonies in the Americans. Also, many Javanese and Balinese people were enslaved and taken to South Africa under Dutch colonial rule.

While Prime Minister Rutte apologised last December, acknowledging the involvement of the royal house in slavery and the slave trade, no compensation was offered to the descendants of the enslaved individuals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-ministry-of-the-netherlands-issues-apology-for-institutional-racism-542459">Also read:&nbsp;Foreign ministry of the Netherlands issues apology for `institutional racism`</a>

Instead, the government has established a 200 million euro (USD 217 million) fund aimed at initiatives addressing the legacy of slavery in the Netherlands and its former colonies, as well as improving education on the subject.&nbsp;

<h2>Reparations demanded</h2>

However, this has not satisfied some individuals in the Netherlands. Two groups, namely Black Manifesto and The Black Archives, organised a protest march before the king's speech on Saturday, under the banner "No healing without reparations."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

In a historic development, Dutch King Willem-Alexander has offered an apology for his country’s involvement in slavery during the colonial era. The apology came on Saturday, as the Netherlands begins an official event to mark 150 years since the end of slavery in Dutch colonies.

In a historic development, Dutch King Willem-Alexander has offered an apology for his country’s involvement in slavery during the colonial era. The apology came on Saturday, as the Netherlands begins an official event to mark 150 years since the end of slavery in Dutch colonies. “Today I'm standing here in front of you as your king and as part of the government. Today I am apologising myself," Willem-Alexander said, during the start of the event, being dubbed as “Keti Koti," meaning "breaking chains" in Sranan Togo, a Creole language spoken in Suriname. DW reported that thousands of descendants from the former Dutch colony of Suriname and the Dutch overseas territories of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are participating in the event. Dutch PM offered apologies last year The apology by the Dutch king follows the apology made by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte last year for the Netherlands' role in past atrocities. This was part of a broader reflection on colonial histories in the Western world, a debate fueled in recent years by the Black Lives Matter movement. Watch: Gravitas: How the royals profited from slavery × Although slavery was officially abolished in Suriname and the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean on July 1, 1863, many enslaved individuals were compelled to continue working on plantations for an additional 10 years. The commemoration and the king’s speech on Saturday marked the beginning of a series of events planned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of July 1, 1873. King’s ancestors made millions off slavery Recent research revealed that the king's ancestors amassed wealth worth 545 million euros (USD 595 million) from slavery, including profits from shares that were essentially gifted to them. According to a DW report, a total of 600,000 people were transported from Africa to Dutch colonies in the Americans. Also, many Javanese and Balinese people were enslaved and taken to South Africa under Dutch colonial rule. While Prime Minister Rutte apologised last December, acknowledging the involvement of the royal house in slavery and the slave trade, no compensation was offered to the descendants of the enslaved individuals. Also read: Foreign ministry of the Netherlands issues apology for `institutional racism` Instead, the government has established a 200 million euro (USD 217 million) fund aimed at initiatives addressing the legacy of slavery in the Netherlands and its former colonies, as well as improving education on the subject. Reparations demanded However, this has not satisfied some individuals in the Netherlands. Two groups, namely Black Manifesto and The Black Archives, organised a protest march before the king's speech on Saturday, under the banner "No healing without reparations." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Dutch king offers apology for slavery during colonial era

The apology, issued by the Dutch government for the Netherlands' contribution to 250 years of slavery, was welcomed by Dutch King Willem-Alexander in his Christmas address on Sunday, calling it the "start of a long journey".

An official apology was given by Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the involvement of the Dutch&nbsp;in slavery practised in its former colonies, as he called it a "crime against humanity".

"Nobody today bears responsibility for the inhumane acts that were inflicted on the lives of men, women and children," said Willem-Alexander, while speaking at the palace of Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-pm-rutte-issues-official-apology-for-netherlands-role-in-slavery-544587">Dutch PM Rutte issues official apology for Netherlands’ role in slavery</a>

"But by honestly facing our shared past and recognising the crime against humanity that is slavery, we lay the ground for a shared future - a future in which we stand against all modern forms of discrimination, exploitation and injustice. The apology offered by the government is the start of a long journey,” he added.&nbsp;

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the “Golden Age” of the Netherlands empire was funded by bringing 600,000 Africans under the slave trade, most of them belonging to South America and the Caribbean.&nbsp;

WATCH| Netherlands takes stance on China export; Dutch Minister says 'Will not adopt US approach'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netherlands-takes-stance-on-china-export-dutch-minister-says-will-not-adopt-us-approach-535564/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Dutch government has stated that it will be holding various commemorative events next year and a fund worth €200 million ($212 million) has been announced for social initiatives.

King Willem-Alexander said that the issue will remain in the attention of the royal family in the commemorative year and they will also be “involved” in the events.

However, the apology issued by PM Rutte was not satisfactory for some organisations that demanded that the apology be issued on July 1, 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The apology, issued by the Dutch government for the Netherlands' contribution to 250 years of slavery, was welcomed by Dutch King Willem-Alexander in his Christmas address on Sunday, calling it the "start of a long journey".

The apology, issued by the Dutch government for the Netherlands' contribution to 250 years of slavery, was welcomed by Dutch King Willem-Alexander in his Christmas address on Sunday, calling it the "start of a long journey". An official apology was given by Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the involvement of the Dutch in slavery practised in its former colonies, as he called it a "crime against humanity". "Nobody today bears responsibility for the inhumane acts that were inflicted on the lives of men, women and children," said Willem-Alexander, while speaking at the palace of Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. ALSO READ| Dutch PM Rutte issues official apology for Netherlands’ role in slavery "But by honestly facing our shared past and recognising the crime against humanity that is slavery, we lay the ground for a shared future - a future in which we stand against all modern forms of discrimination, exploitation and injustice. The apology offered by the government is the start of a long journey,” he added. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the “Golden Age” of the Netherlands empire was funded by bringing 600,000 Africans under the slave trade, most of them belonging to South America and the Caribbean. WATCH| Netherlands takes stance on China export; Dutch Minister says 'Will not adopt US approach' The Dutch government has stated that it will be holding various commemorative events next year and a fund worth €200 million ($212 million) has been announced for social initiatives. King Willem-Alexander said that the issue will remain in the attention of the royal family in the commemorative year and they will also be “involved” in the events. However, the apology issued by PM Rutte was not satisfactory for some organisations that demanded that the apology be issued on July 1, 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Dutch king welcomes government's slavery apology, says 'start of a long journey'

The Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, has announced that the royals would henceforth stop using a historic golden coach, which features images that glorifies the country’s colonial past, amid controversy over the Netherlands’ slavery links.

Called ‘Tribute from the Colonies’, the image—which is on the left panel of the coach—depicts black and Asian people kneeling and offering goods, including cocoa and sugarcane, to a seated young white woman on a throne representing the Netherlands.

In a video message, King Willem-Alexander announced the retirement of the carriage, called De Gouden Koets, on Thursday while acknowledging that it was offensive to a large number of people.

“There is no point in condemning and disqualifying what has happened through the lens of our time," he said.

"Simply banning historical objects and symbols is certainly not a solution either. Instead, a concerted effort is needed that goes deeper and takes longer. An effort that unites us instead of divides us.”

King Willem-Alexander expressed his hope that the coach could be used again in future, once the Netherlands had healed its colonialist legacy of racism.

"As long as there are people living in the Netherlands who feel the pain of discrimination on a daily basis, the past will still cast its shadow over our time," he said.

The golden carriage—which is used to carry the royals to state events such as the opening of parliament— has been out of use since 2015.

It is currently placed at the Amsterdam Museum following a lengthy restoration process which concluded last year.

The Dutch colonised a lot of countries from Asia to Africa. Some of them include&nbsp;Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Suriname, South Africa.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, has announced that the royals would henceforth stop using a historic golden coach, which features images that glorifies the country’s colonial past, amid controversy over the Netherlands’ slavery links.

The Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, has announced that the royals would henceforth stop using a historic golden coach, which features images that glorifies the country’s colonial past, amid controversy over the Netherlands’ slavery links. Called ‘Tribute from the Colonies’, the image—which is on the left panel of the coach—depicts black and Asian people kneeling and offering goods, including cocoa and sugarcane, to a seated young white woman on a throne representing the Netherlands. In a video message, King Willem-Alexander announced the retirement of the carriage, called De Gouden Koets, on Thursday while acknowledging that it was offensive to a large number of people. “There is no point in condemning and disqualifying what has happened through the lens of our time," he said. "Simply banning historical objects and symbols is certainly not a solution either. Instead, a concerted effort is needed that goes deeper and takes longer. An effort that unites us instead of divides us.” King Willem-Alexander expressed his hope that the coach could be used again in future, once the Netherlands had healed its colonialist legacy of racism. "As long as there are people living in the Netherlands who feel the pain of discrimination on a daily basis, the past will still cast its shadow over our time," he said. The golden carriage—which is used to carry the royals to state events such as the opening of parliament— has been out of use since 2015. It is currently placed at the Amsterdam Museum following a lengthy restoration process which concluded last year. The Dutch colonised a lot of countries from Asia to Africa. Some of them include Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Suriname, South Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

Dutch king ditches golden coach that depicts slavery image and glorifies colonial past

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia on Tuesday for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s.

The king made the remarks during a state visit to the country with Queen Maxima after a ceremony with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the capital Jakarta.

Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, following a brief wartime occupation by the Japanese and several hundred years as a Dutch colony.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-eam-meets-dutch-king-queen-255777">Foreign Minister Jaishankar meets Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima</a>

"The past cannot be erased, and will have to be acknowledged by each generation in turn," the king said in a joint statement.

In the years after the independence proclamation ", a painful separation followed that cost many lives. I would like to express my regret and apologise for excessive violence on the part of the Dutch in those years," he added.

"I do so in the full realisation that the pain and sorrow of the families affected continue to be felt today."

In 2013, the Dutch government publicly apologised to Indonesia for mass killings by its army in the 1940s war of independence, in the first general apology for all executions.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dutch-king-and-queen-meet-president-ram-nath-kovind-pm-modi-at-rashtrapati-bhawan-255745">Dutch King and Queen meet President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan</a>

But the apology Tuesday was a first by a Dutch monarch, according to two sources, including a senior Indonesian government official.

The Dutch embassy in Jakarta declined to comment.

Previously, the Dutch government announced compensation to the widows of those who died in mass killings.

But not all have received funds, according to the Committee for Dutch Honour Debts.

"Our country suffered a lot from Dutch crimes and they have to pay for what they have done," said Jeffry Pondaag, the committee's Netherlands based chairman.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-dutch-pm-mark-rutte-drops-coffee-cleans-up-the-floor-in-parliament-142482">Watch: Dutch PM Mark Rutte drops coffee, cleans up the floor in Parliament</a>

Also Tuesday, the Dutch royals said they were "deeply saddened" at the news of a fatal boat crash that killed seven Indonesian government employees and injured 20 others, including two Dutch embassy staff.

The accident happened as officials secured an area in Indonesia's section of Borneo island where the royal couple were to visit this week.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia on Tuesday for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. The king made the remarks during a state visit to the country with Queen Maxima after a ceremony with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the capital Jakarta.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia on Tuesday for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. The king made the remarks during a state visit to the country with Queen Maxima after a ceremony with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the capital Jakarta. Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, following a brief wartime occupation by the Japanese and several hundred years as a Dutch colony. Also Read: Foreign Minister Jaishankar meets Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima "The past cannot be erased, and will have to be acknowledged by each generation in turn," the king said in a joint statement. In the years after the independence proclamation ", a painful separation followed that cost many lives. I would like to express my regret and apologise for excessive violence on the part of the Dutch in those years," he added. "I do so in the full realisation that the pain and sorrow of the families affected continue to be felt today." In 2013, the Dutch government publicly apologised to Indonesia for mass killings by its army in the 1940s war of independence, in the first general apology for all executions. Also Read: Dutch King and Queen meet President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan But the apology Tuesday was a first by a Dutch monarch, according to two sources, including a senior Indonesian government official. The Dutch embassy in Jakarta declined to comment. Previously, the Dutch government announced compensation to the widows of those who died in mass killings. But not all have received funds, according to the Committee for Dutch Honour Debts. "Our country suffered a lot from Dutch crimes and they have to pay for what they have done," said Jeffry Pondaag, the committee's Netherlands based chairman. Also Read: Watch: Dutch PM Mark Rutte drops coffee, cleans up the floor in Parliament Also Tuesday, the Dutch royals said they were "deeply saddened" at the news of a fatal boat crash that killed seven Indonesian government employees and injured 20 others, including two Dutch embassy staff. The accident happened as officials secured an area in Indonesia's section of Borneo island where the royal couple were to visit this week.

Dutch king apologises for violence during Indonesian independence war

External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar on Monday met King of The Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and held "fruitful discussions" on expanding India and Dutch relationship.

"Building upon the strategic trust EAM @DrSJaishankar called upon HM King Willem-Alexander &amp; HM Queen Maxima @koninklijkhuis of the Netherlands and had fruitful discussions on expanding our relationship," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

The royal couple is on a five-day visit to India. Earlier in the day, they met President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Upon their arrival on Sunday night, Willem-Alexander and Maxima were given a traditional welcome at the airport where several officials lined up to receive them.

Apart from the official programme in Delhi, the King and the Queen will also visit Mumbai and Kerala.

The royal couple will attend the inaugural session of 25th Technology Summit in New Delhi.

The Netherlands is the partner country for the event. India and The Netherlands have a bilateral trade turnover of $12.87 billion (2018-2019).

TheNetherlands is the 5th largest investor in India with a cumulative investment of $23 billion between 2000 and 2017.

The Netherlands is home to a 235,000 strong Indian diaspora, the largest in mainland Europe. The visit is expected to boost economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar on Monday met King of The Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and held "fruitful discussions" on expanding India and Dutch relationship.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar on Monday met King of The Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and held "fruitful discussions" on expanding India and Dutch relationship. "Building upon the strategic trust EAM @DrSJaishankar called upon HM King Willem-Alexander & HM Queen Maxima @koninklijkhuis of the Netherlands and had fruitful discussions on expanding our relationship," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. The royal couple is on a five-day visit to India. Earlier in the day, they met President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Upon their arrival on Sunday night, Willem-Alexander and Maxima were given a traditional welcome at the airport where several officials lined up to receive them. Apart from the official programme in Delhi, the King and the Queen will also visit Mumbai and Kerala. The royal couple will attend the inaugural session of 25th Technology Summit in New Delhi. The Netherlands is the partner country for the event. India and The Netherlands have a bilateral trade turnover of $12.87 billion (2018-2019). TheNetherlands is the 5th largest investor in India with a cumulative investment of $23 billion between 2000 and 2017. The Netherlands is home to a 235,000 strong Indian diaspora, the largest in mainland Europe. The visit is expected to boost economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar meets Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima

The King of The Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima met President Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The Royal couple arrived here on Sunday and are on a for a five-day state visit. They were given a traditional welcome at the airport where several officials lined up to receive them.

This is Willem-Alexander's first state visit to India following his ascension to the throne in 2013.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also call on the Dutch King.

Apart from the official programme in Delhi, the King and the Queen will also visit Mumbai and Kerala.

The royal couple will attend the inaugural session of 25th Technology Summit in New Delhi.

The Netherlands is the partner country for this summit. India and The Netherlands have a bilateral trade turnover of $12.87 billion (2018-2019).&nbsp;

The Netherlands is the 5th largest investor in India with a cumulative investment of $23 billion between 2000 and 2017.

The Netherlands is home to a 235,000 strong Indian diaspora, the largest in mainland Europe.

The visit is expected to boost economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

The King of The Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima met President Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Royal couple arrived here on Sunday and are on a for a five-day state visit.

The King of The Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima met President Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Royal couple arrived here on Sunday and are on a for a five-day state visit. They were given a traditional welcome at the airport where several officials lined up to receive them. This is Willem-Alexander's first state visit to India following his ascension to the throne in 2013. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also call on the Dutch King. Apart from the official programme in Delhi, the King and the Queen will also visit Mumbai and Kerala. The royal couple will attend the inaugural session of 25th Technology Summit in New Delhi. The Netherlands is the partner country for this summit. India and The Netherlands have a bilateral trade turnover of $12.87 billion (2018-2019). The Netherlands is the 5th largest investor in India with a cumulative investment of $23 billion between 2000 and 2017. The Netherlands is home to a 235,000 strong Indian diaspora, the largest in mainland Europe. The visit is expected to boost economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

Dutch King and Queen meet President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan