Dutch Royals Pelted With Tomatoes In Moscow: Why Were King Willem-Alexander And Queen Maxima Targeted?

Sometimes being a royal is not as fancy and glamorous as many would think. Just ask Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, who were the targets of a tomato-attack in their latest visit to Moscow, Russia. The royals were attending a concert at the Moscow Conservatory to celebrate the two nations' historical ties, however, it was shadowed by a young man and young woman, members of the the banned National Bolshevik party, led by Eduard Limonov. The pair was shouting "You have Dolmatov's blood on your hands," and throwing tomatoes.

They were referring to fellow opposition activist Alexander Dolmatov, who committed suicide in a Dutch deportation center earlier this year after being denied political asylum in the country. The tomatoes missed their target and the royal couple proceeded to walk the red carpet until they were inside the Conservatory. Limonov later admitted that it was, in fact, two of his activists that were the responsible for the mini-protest and they were arrested after the incident. The young man and woman have been charged with petty hooliganism and may face up to 15 days in prison.

Although King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima's visit on Nov. 8, was aimed as a celebration, it came amid tensions after Russia criticized the Netherlands accusing it of "inaction" in not preventing a Greenpeace protest at a Russian Arctic oil rig in which 30 people were arrested. The Dutch king and queen were able to keep their poise, elegance and diplomacy throughout their visit, although the air was a little heavy and tense. The tomato assault came just after the Dutch king and queen met with President Vladimir Putin after their arrival to Russia. No official statement has been issued by the royals.