Radiant Beatrix visits Zealand's south

It is called Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, or in English, Zealand's Flanders. A somewhat isolated part of the Netherlands, wedged between the Scheldt estuary ("Westerschelde") and Belgium, or Flanders.

For years this part of the country could only be reached by ferry, or by driving through Belgium, which has coveted 'Zeeuws Vlaanderen' in the past, even claiming it at the end of the First World War.

Queen Beatrix paid a visit to the - at least by Dutch standards - sparsely populated area. She was welcomed by thousands of Zealanders, and by many from across the border.

All 21 primary schools of the community of Sluis bussed their pupils to the towns Beatrix visited.

For Queen Beatrix it became an extraordinary tour, as she said at its conclusion in the Belfort of the city of Sluis. She had come to learn about the problems and challenges this corner of her country, but was surprised by the public acclaim. "Unbelievable", the queen said.

The pictures are proof that Beatrix did enjoy her stay in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, part of the province that lent its name to New Zealand.

© GPD; Photos by © Dutch Photo Press, Patrick van Katwijk