Soldier of Orange 1917-2007

On Wednesday, Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, otherwise known as the ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ (Soldier of Orange), died in Hawaii at the age of 90. He wrote his memoirs in the 1970’s and a film called the ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ directed by Paul Verhoeven (Black Book, Starship Troopers) and starring Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner, Ladyhawke, Escape from Sobibor) as ‘Erik’ was made in 1977. He served as adjutant to Queen Wilhelmina in 1945 and participated in the coronation of Queen Beatrix in 1980. On May 7, 2005, Blauw Bloed, a Dutch television programme about royalty, aired an exclusive interview with Erik Roelfzema recounting his war experiences and work with the Dutch Royal Family. It has been reported that the Dutch Royal Family was saddened by the news and sent their condolences to the family.