The House of Orange-Nassau is throwing a party. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima were spotted in The Hague, beaming, as the Netherlands secured a World Cup double. First the women's hockey team.
Then the men's football side. Two trophies in one weekend. In Westminster, the mood is more sober.
But the Palace is playing the game. Buckingham Palace released a statement this afternoon, praising the 'sporting spirit' of the Dutch. A careful move.
King Charles knows the optics. The monarchy must appear above petty nationalism. Especially when the nation's own teams have been less fortunate.
The Dutch royal family went full public. They mingled with crowds outside the palace. They waved flags.
They looked genuinely delighted. Sources close to the Palace say the King watched the football final at Balmoral. He was 'impressed' by the Dutch performance.
But insiders note the carefully chosen words: 'sporting spirit' not 'victory'. A nod to the British public's disappointment. No one wants to look like a sore loser.
But celebrating another nation's win? That's a tightrope. The political angle?
This is a gift for Sunak. A feelgood story to distract from inflation figures. Downing Street is quick to echo the royal sentiment.
'We congratulate our Dutch friends,' a spokesperson said. But the real game is at home. The Dutch royals have done what British royals cannot: unashamed national pride.
The monarchy here is constrained. They must be unifying. Neutral.
The Dutch double gives them an opportunity to show grace. But also highlights the limits of their role. The real power play?
It's in the margins. Expect more royal appearances at sporting events. A soft power offensive.
The Dutch are celebrating now. But the British monarchy is playing the long game.