Queen Máxima officially opened WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam on Saturday, becoming the first reigning queen to formally inaugurate the global LGBTQ+ event.
The Dutch monarch launched the festival at Amsterdam's Vondelpark alongside mayor Femke Halsema, marking the start of more than two weeks of celebrations, cultural events and human rights discussions across the city. WorldPride is being hosted in Amsterdam for the first time, with organisers expecting around one million visitors.
Addressing crowds gathered at the Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre, Queen Máxima delivered a message centred on freedom, equality and respect.
"Being who you are, loving who you want, that's normal, isn't it?" she said, before urging attendees to "hold on to each other, support each other, and enjoy it".
Before the official opening ceremony, the Queen toured Pride Park, visiting Sport Pride and Youth Pride initiatives and meeting representatives from LGBTQ+ organisations and community groups.
Mayor Halsema used her speech to highlight both the celebratory and political dimensions of the event, arguing that Pride must continue to champion equality and human rights around the world. She pointed to growing concerns about LGBTQ+ rights internationally and warned against complacency in countries where legal protections already exist.
WorldPride Amsterdam runs until 8 August and will feature around 300 events, including the city's famous Canal Parade, a Human Rights Conference, concerts, exhibitions and community gatherings.
The 2026 edition carries particular significance for the Netherlands. The event coincides with the 25th anniversary of the country becoming the first in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, as well as 30 years of Pride celebrations in Amsterdam and the 80th anniversary of LGBTQ+ organisation COC Netherlands.
A Pride Walk from Dam Square to Vondelpark formed part of the opening day celebrations, with thousands taking part in a colourful procession through the city centre. Organisers said the march aimed to highlight the experiences of some of the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community, including asylum seekers and refugees.
Amsterdam secured the right to host WorldPride after a successful international bid, bringing the biennial event to the Dutch capital for the first time. Organisers say the programme will focus on culture, visibility, connection and human rights, while reinforcing Amsterdam's reputation as a city of diversity and inclusion.
WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 runs from 25 July to 8 August, with the Canal Parade scheduled to take place on 1 August.
Scene was founded in Brighton in 1993, at a time when news stories about Pride protests were considered radical.
Since then, Scene has remained proudly independent, building a platform for queer voices. Every subscription helps us to report on the stories that matter to LGBTQ+ people across the UK and beyond.
Your support funds our journalists and contributes to Pride Community Foundation’s grant-making and policy work.
Member discussion