The Dutch royal family is basking in a rare moment of unadulterated joy. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were seen beaming in the stands as the Netherlands clinched not one but two World Cup titles. It is a sporting double that puts the House of Orange firmly in the spotlight. For a monarchy often overshadowed by the British crown, this is a significant public relations win.
But here is the rub. UK monarchy experts are quietly noting the contrast. How many World Cups has the House of Windsor won? Precisely zero. It is a trivial point, perhaps, but one that cuts to the heart of what modern royalty is for. The Dutch royals have mastered the art of soft power. They cheer. They connect. They look human. Meanwhile, the British monarchy has been bogged down in scandals and PR disasters.
One senior palace insider told me: 'They are doing something right. They are relatable without being cheap. It is a delicate balance.' And they have a point. The Dutch royals have managed to stay popular by staying out of politics and into sport. It is a lesson Charles III would do well to learn.
But there is a darker side to this story. The double win has sparked a quiet debate in Whitehall. Some argue that the British monarchy should be more like the Dutch. Less ceremony, more common touch. Others see it as a threat. 'If they can do it, why can't we?' one MP muttered to me over a drink last night. It is a question that will not go away.
The Dutch royals are not just celebrating football victories. They are celebrating a model of monarchy that works. And that is something the Windsors should watch carefully. The game is changing. And the Dutch are winning it.