Princess Margriet of the Netherlands arrived in Ottawa on May 8, 2026, to mark the start of the Canadian Tulip Festival. The princess, who was born in Ottawa during World War II, participated in a ceremony at Ottawa City Hall alongside Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. The event celebrated the enduring friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, symbolized by the annual tulip bloom.
Royal Visit Highlights
During her visit, Princess Margriet posed for photos with Mayor Sutcliffe and other officials. The tulip festival, a major spring event in the capital, features over a million tulips planted across the city. The princess's presence underscores the historical ties: Canada sheltered the Dutch royal family during the Nazi occupation and helped liberate the Netherlands in 1945. In gratitude, the Netherlands sends tulip bulbs to Ottawa each year.
Festival Activities
The Canadian Tulip Festival runs from May 8 to May 18, 2026, with events at Commissioners Park, Dow's Lake, and other locations. Visitors can enjoy garden displays, cultural performances, and food vendors. The festival also includes a tribute to the Dutch-Canadian relationship, with special exhibitions and guided tours.
Princess Margriet's visit is part of a broader tour that includes meetings with Canadian officials and cultural institutions. Her itinerary highlights the ongoing cooperation between the two nations in areas such as trade, climate change, and innovation.
