Before gaining the throne of England, the future king was known as Prince William of Orange, hereditary Stadtholder of the Dutch States. To her surprise, after their arranged marriage Mary discovered true happiness in Holland and deeply regretted having to leave it for England when she was called back to become Queen.
The Binnenhof was their official residence.
Arches decorate the buildings.
A wet day for a stroll.
Also a royal residence and now a renowned art gallery (home to Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and many other masterpieces) The Mauritshuis was used to lodge important guests. Charles II's son The Duke of Monmouth was staying here when the news of his father's death reached The Hague. Princess Mary went ice skating on the water here during the winter.
In between visiting museums we visited this seafood shop for a bite to eat...
...and ordered one of these, a local favourite.
Our next excursion took us to Apeldoorn, and the country palace that was William and Mary's masterpiece.
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