Royal Watch News

Dutch royal attack to cost 5m

May 19, 2009, 11:20 GMT

The Queen's Day attack on the Dutch royal family will cost £5 million in damages.

Six people were killed and 13 others injured when Karst Tates drove his car into crowds watching the annual parade in Apeldoorn last month.

He was reportedly trying to injure Queen Beatrix and her family, who were travelling in an open-topped bus close to the crash site.

Tates later died of his head injuries and six victims are still recovering in hospital.

Holland insurance company Reaal - who sold Tates his personal liability policy - estimates the tragedy will cost it millions.

A Reaal spokesman said: "A number of people who were physically injured in the attack have already begun the process of making a claim, as have several eye witnesses.

"Still, we don't expect our total bill for damages to exceed £5 million."

Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife Princess Maxima have visited the families of those who died in the tragedy, while the queen has visited survivors in hospitals across the country.

The entire royal family attended a special memorial service in Apeldoorn two weeks ago.