King Willem-Alexander leads Dutch royals at Koningsdag celebrations – but why did Princess Ariane miss out?

King Willem-Alexander was joined by his family on Saturday as they gathered to mark his birthday celebrations on Koningsdag.

Although Koningsdag is traditionally held on the King’s birthday, which is 27 April, it is celebrated on a Saturday if the date is a Sunday. As a result of the celebrations, Willem-Alexander and the rest of the Dutch royal family missed the funeral of Pope Francis, which was held on the same day.

The Dutch royals missed out on the serviceHowever, in a mark of respect, the celebrations were postponed for an hour to allow television broadcasts of the funeral.

You may also likeWillem-Alexander was joined by members of his immediate and wider family at the event, including Queen Maxima, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia, Princess Laurentien, Prince Floris and Princess Aimee.

Missing princessThere was one conspicuous absence from the celebrations, as Willem-Alexander and Maxima’s youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, didn’t attend the service.

Ariane missed out on the festivitiesAriane is currently abroad as she studies at United World College Adriatic in Italy. The 18-year-old royal is no doubt deep in her studies with her final exams fast approaching.

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Best photosKeep scrolling to see the best photos from this year’s Koningsdag…

What an entrance!Willem-Alexander arrived alongside his wife, Queen Maxima, and eldest daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia.

Catharina-Amalia’s fashionThe Princess of Orange was absolutely stunning in her baby blue mini dress as she waved at onlookers.

Princess Alexia’s fashionAlexia gave us hell for leather in her daring leather jacket. The teenage royal also wore a white shirt and black skirt.

Maxima’s stunning lookNot to be outdone by her daughters, Maxima also wore quite the outfit, styling out a navy-blue dress that featured pockets.

Willem-Alexander’s celebrationsThe Dutch monarch was savouring every moment as crowds cheered.

Birthday speechAs is tradition, Willem-Alexander delivered a speech as he celebrated his birthday.

Wider familyThe celebrations involve the whole family, and Willem-Alexander’s cousin Prince Floris attended alongside his wife Princess Aimee.

Blown away!Queen Maxima was blown away at one of their events. Just look at her expression!

Prince of footballPrince Floris appeared to be a dab hand at football as he partook in the recreational activity.

Taking a shotFloris wasn’t the only one who played football, as Willem-Alexander took a strike at an open goal.

JudgingWillem-Alexander was joined by his sister-in-law, Princess Laurentien, and daughter, Princess Alexia, behind a judge’s panel. The trio seemed to be having a lot of laughs behind the desk.

WATCH: Princess Alexia and Princess Catharina-Amalia join parents at Prince’s Day ceremony