King Willem-Alexander Presents The Military Order of Willem

Today, Friday, August 31, King Willem-Alexander accompanied by Queen Maxima, handed out the Military Order of Willem to Major-Flyer Roy de Ruiter of the Royal Netherlands Air Force in a ceremony held at the Binnenhof in The Hague. The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the Dutch Minister of Defence Ank Bijleveld were present.

Roy de Ruiter was awarded “because of his policy, drive and courage at all times during broadcasts in Afghanistan, with an unconditionally high loyalty to his colleagues on the ground”.

Majoor-vlieger Roy de Ruiter van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht ontving vandaag van Koning Willem-Alexander de Militaire Willems-Orde. Koningin Máxima en @minpres Rutte waren daarbij aanwezig. Meer info? https://t.co/OBy78lV3XT #MWO pic.twitter.com/vgoYTspKMj

— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) August 31, 2018

In his speech the King praised De Ruiter saying: “Today we honor your actions in Afghanistan in the years 2007-2009 with the Military Order of Willem. As a fighter pilot and Air Mission Commander, you were tenacious, professional, innovative and fearless. You showed courage, policy and loyalty in an exceptional way”.

After his speech, King Willem-Alexander attached the ribbon with the order on the military uniform of the Major and a slap on the shoulder.

The Military Order of Willem is the oldest and highest honour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and it is awarded to soldiers, civilians or units that have distinguished themselves in battle by outstanding deeds of bravery, skill and loyalty. The chivalric order was established on 30 April 1815 by King William I and the first order was awarded to the Hereditary Prince William Frederick of Orange-Nassau for his actions during the Campaign of 1815 against Napoleon.

Koning Willem-Alexander reikt de Militaire Willems-Orde uit aan majoor-vlieger Roy de Ruiter van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht en houdt een toespraak: https://t.co/ogHiATy8Ji pic.twitter.com/aydMnfdg8i

— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) August 31, 2018

Filed under The Netherlands.

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