Dutch royals visit Canada to mark 70th anniversary of WWII liberation

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima arrived here Wednesday for a three-day official visit to mark the 70th anniversary of the Netherlands' liberation in the Second World War (WWII) and honor Canada's role in it.

The visit is the royal couple's first to Canada. After their arrival, they went to Ottawa's National War Memorial to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In the final months of WWII, Canada played a key role in liberating the people of the Netherlands. More than 7,600 Canadians died in the process.

Every year the Netherlands provides a gift of tulip bulbs to Canada's capital in appreciation of the nation's effort to free them during WWII.

In honor of the anniversary, the couple will also visit University of Waterloo to present Canadian students with new scholarships in business, education and science.

During the visit, Dutch businesses in agro-food, horticulture, water, soil and urban planning will have the opportunity to make contact with their Canadian counterparts and seek cooperation.

The Dutch royal couple will pay a state visit to the United States after ending their Canadian trip on Friday.