Five Schagen Residents Receive Royal Honours During Lintjesregen 2026

On Friday, April 24, 2026, five residents of the municipality of Schagen were honoured with a royal distinction during the annual Lintjesregen ceremony. Mayor Marjan van Kampen-Nouwen personally visited each recipient between 9:00 and 12:00 to present the awards at their homes, recognising their long-standing voluntary contributions to culture, sport, care, and village communities.

The five individuals recognised were Rina Warnaar-Mul from Tuitjenhorn, Simon Swart from Dirkshorn, Lous Kruijer from Schagerbrug, and Kees Wilhelm and Lammie de Ruiter-Wardenier, both from Callantsoog. Each was appointed as a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Rina Warnaar-Mul has been active in the music world since the 1970s as a conductor and choir member, and since 1989 has supported residents through the foundation Graag Gedaan Tuitjenhorn with transport and assistance. Simon Swart has been a longstanding figure in the local music scene and contributes to the preservation of windmills via the Molenstichting Alkmaar en Omstreken. Lous Kruijer has served nearly thirty years with VV Schagen, holding multiple board roles, and is also involved in the local council and sports facilities in Schagerbrug.

Kees Wilhelm has volunteered with the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Organisation (KNRM) since 2003, participating in various duties and supporting training and operations along the coast. Lammie de Ruiter-Wardenier has dedicated decades to the Historical Society Callantsoog as a board and editorial member, while also serving for many years as a carer and being active with the foundation Samen Vrienden.

The honours were awarded as part of the national Lintjesregen, an annual event in which individuals are recognised for exceptional service to society. The awards were presented with photography by Pierre Mettes Fotografie.

This recognition follows an earlier royal distinction awarded on April 21, 2026, to outgoing council member Boudien Glashouwer, who was also appointed a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau for her service as a Schagen council member from January 2013 to March 2026.

About the Order of Orange-Nassau

The Order of Orange-Nassau is a Dutch civil and military order of chivalry founded in 1892. It is awarded to individuals who have made special contributions to society, whether through professional work, voluntary efforts, or acts of courage. The rank of Member (Lid) is the sixth and lowest grade in the order, typically recognising sustained commitment at the community or regional level.

Lintjesregen Traditions in Schagen

The municipality of Schagen regularly participates in the national Lintjesregen, using the occasion to highlight the voluntary efforts that strengthen local community life. The personal home visits by the mayor have become a cherished tradition, emphasizing the personal nature of the recognition and the direct impact of the recipients’ work.

As of April 24, 2026, Schagen continues to celebrate civic engagement through such honours, reinforcing the value of volunteerism in Dutch society.