Several Queens and a King

It is a momentous day for our dear chums in Holland, as their Old Queen Beatrix steps down in favour of her son Willem-Alexander, who becomes the first King of the Netherlands since 1890.

We recently booked a well-overdue long weekend in Amsterdam - probably my 36th visit to my most beloved city - for my 50th (oo-er) birthday in August, and a whole host of friends will be coming over to join me to toast this auspicious occasion!

To mark this very Dutch day, here is another favourite old Dutch queen (whose own birthday it was yesterday), Gerard Joling - of "De Toppers" fame notoriety - duetting with the obviously straight (ha ha) Jan Smit, on a typically cheerful number that wouldn't sound out of place in the Eurovision Song Contest, Echte Vrienden [Real Friends].

Gerard Joling and Jan Smit - Echte Vrienden

Love it.

Read more about the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander

God red de Koning!

Oliebollen, anyone?

So the countdown for our annual Amsterdam pilgrimage continues apace - and (having extensively covered some of the traditional music of that lovely city last year) I thought I'd treat us to a little Dutch totty!

Laydeez and gentlemen, please put your hands (or fingers) together for the lovely Jan Smit...

Jan Smit - Als De Morgen Is Gekomen

PS Oliebollen ("oily balls") are a traditional Dutch bar snack, by the way...