"In 1943, the Dutch Royal Family fled to Ottowa, Canada, to escape the war in Europe. During their stay, Princess Margriet was born in a local hospital maternity ward that was temporarily declared international territory to allow the baby to inherit her mother’s Dutch citizenship—essential to maintain her right as heir to the Dutch throne. After the war, the Royal Family sent 100,000 tulip bulbs as a sign of gratitude for the temporary extraterritorial declaration. Since then, the Netherlands continues to send a gift of 20,000 bulbs each year, and in 1953, the Canadian Tulip Festival was born."
By Sandra Wilson, USAG Benelux Public Affairs
"Bits of the Benelux: Dutch tulips emerge with colorful history"
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