Dutch connection

In 1945, the Dutch royal family sent more than 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada in recognition of Canada’s role in liberating the Netherlands and for their co-operation during the royal family’s stay in Canada during the Second World War. The Dutch royal family had fled to England to avoid capture from the Germans and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (1890 to 1948) sent her daughter Princess Juliana and the royal granddaughters, Irene and Beatrix, to find shelter in Canada. During their stay, Princess Juliana gave birth to Princess Margriet Francisca in 1943. The tulips that were sent over were planted in the capital region and the Canadian Tulip Festival was born.