The Dutch royal family made a grand appearance on Saturday to celebrate King Willem-Alexander’s 57th birthday, with Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia sharing a heartwarming moment with her father amidst the crowds.

During their interactions with the public in Emmen, a town in the northeast of the country, Catharina-Amalia leaned her head on her father’s shoulder, eliciting a smile from him.

In return, the monarch affectionately wrapped his arm around his daughter as they moved along. Despite braving the rain briefly during their walkabout, Catharina-Amalia, Queen Maxima, Princess Alexia, and Princess Ariane were seen sheltering under umbrellas.

Engaging fully in the festivities, the heir to the Dutch throne was joined by members of her extended family, including Prince Pieter-Christiaan, Princess Laurentien, and Prince Maurits, as they served on a judging panel with plush sheep.

Catharina-Amalia looked resplendent for the occasion in a striking green coat over a forest-evoking dress, complemented by a magnificent headpiece, although Queen Maxima’s own headpiece, resembling butterflies, stole the spotlight.

Meanwhile, the King’s other daughters stood out in vibrant colors, with Alexia in a bold red coat over a white dress and Ariane in a cooler version of her sister’s ensemble.

Last year, to mark Willem-Alexander’s birthday, the royals posed for a photoshoot, though their middle daughter, Alexia, was absent due to her studies at UWC Atlantic College in Wales.

Earlier in the month, Catharina-Amalia accompanied her parents as they met members of the Spanish royal family during an evening reception at Museum STRAAT in Amsterdam.

Demonstrating her understanding of royal protocol, the future queen gracefully curtsied to King Felipe upon arrival, receiving a warm greeting and a kiss on the cheek in return from the Spanish monarch, aged 56.

King Willem-Alexander paid tribute to King Felipe and Queen Letizia during a short speech, saying: “Your visit did justice to the excellent and close relations between our two countries. Once again we have established how much we have in common as European partners.

“The Queen and I are most grateful for the active interest in the Netherlands that you show time and time again. We are also grateful for your friendship. It is extremely dear to us. We hope to see you again soon, in Spain or in the Netherlands. You will always be welcome.”