758. Netherlands Royalty in Toronto – May 17, 2017

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS MARGRIET OF THE NETHERLANDS AND PROFESSOR PIETER VAN VOLLENHOVEN will visit the 48th Highlanders of Canada, in order to commemorate the heroic actions of the Canadians that served with the Regiment in the liberation of the Netherlands over 70 years ago. The 48th Highlanders of Canada were also key in the liberation of Apeldoorn, the home town of Princess Margriet and her husband.

The 48th Highlanders of Canada is an infantry regiment in Toronto. During the Second World War, members of the Regiment played a crucial role in many battles across the continent, and received multiple Battle Honours for their distinguished service during the war.

The visit marks an opportunity for the royal couple to honour the sacrifices made by Canadians during the Second World War, in order to secure the freedom for the Dutch people. They will personally meet with several veterans who served with the Regiment and took part in the liberation of the Netherlands, before taking a tour of the museum, and signing the guestbook, at which point there will be a photo opportunity.

WHEN: May 17, 2017, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

WHAT: Tour of museum, and meeting with WWII veterans

WHERE: 48th Highlanders of Canada Museum, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,73 Simcoe St, Toronto,

Toronto, Ontario Media representatives may record the arrival of the delegation – outside at St Andrews Church

Only one or two media representatives may record this event inside from a press enclosure

WHO: Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands

Professor Mr. P. Van Vollenhoven

Hon. Colonel Geordie Elms, Host

Hon. Colonel George Beal, Curator

Major Ian Lang, Piper

Commanding Officer L-Col Harry Pedwell, RSM Derek Murphy and Hon. Colonel Michael Scott, Members

Veterans

For additional information, please contact: – Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ottawa Anna Rijk, Sr. Advisor Public Diplomacy, Press and Culture | T 1 613 670 6031; M613 218 7451, E anna.rijk@minbuza.nl

– 48th Highlanders of Canada, Toronto Hon. Colonel Geordie Elms | T + 1 905 517 3563, E geordie.elms@icloud.com