Cogs can think.

Slowly, really, really slowly, the events of today start sinking in. The dust settles, and the time arrives to start processing the things that happened.

The Queen addressed the people later during the day, in a speech that was totally unlike Queen Beatrix. She’s a perfectionist, and not very comfortable with talking directly to a camera - which is usually why her TV speeches are practiced and teleprompted to death. During the speech today, we didn’t get to see our Queen in the way we know her - statuesque, strong, proud, efficient - but someone resembling an old grandmother, visibly shaking and very emotional. She was talking straight from her heart. Very touching.

The events of today could mean the end of Queen’s Day as we know it. Queen’s Day is an holiday of the people, where the entire Royal Family visits a town, and they get so close to the people you can talk to them, touch them. In the past, we’ve seen people kiss the Queen, we’ve seen a woman jumping on the back of Prince Claus’ bike, riding along for a while. The Royals honestly enjoy this day every year, laughing, dancing, and talking to people.

During the day, the entire nation is holding parties, markets, and other activities. These events are planned months and sometimes even years in advance, especially in the town the Royal Family is visiting. I’m just so angry that all those people who have worked so hard to make today a special day, people who’ve been looking forward to this day all year long, had to see it end in such a gruesome way.

The image that will stick with me forever is that of a 4 year old girl. Two ponytails, rosy cheeks, happy orange clothing. She was looking around in despair, tears rolling down her face. She’d probably been looking forward to this day for a long time, her mother promised her that she’d see real princesses! Not the Disney nonsense that the rest of the world has to settle for, but real ones! I can see her all excited in the morning, impatiently asking her mother every five minutes when the princesses would be here. Would they be wearing princess dresses? Will there be horses?

And for her, the day ended in tears, literally.

What kind of monster would do such a thing?