Raymond van Barneveld poses with LEGO royal couple: 'You can really build on those two'

Given Raymond van Barneveld’s legendary status in darts, an official visit to Palace Huis ten Bosch wouldn’t seem out of place. But when the five-time world champion recently came face to face with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, it was under rather unusual circumstances.

During a visit to the Bricks of Wonder exhibition at the Westfield Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam, ‘Barney’ found himself standing alongside life-size LEGO sculptures of the Dutch royal couple. The iconic darts star posed, clearly amused, among the vibrant displays and later shared a playful photo on Instagram with the caption: “Hung out with the King and Queen a bit today – you can really build on those two.” A light-hearted jab at the famous plastic bricks, and a refreshing change from the pressures of the oche.

Another snapshot captured Van Barneveld next to another timeless duo – Laurel and Hardy, also recreated in LEGO. The slapstick legends of the 1920s and '30s seemed to mirror Van Barneveld’s rarely seen relaxed demeanor in the photos. For those who know the Dutchman’s journey, it’s a notable departure from the intense emotional toll that has at times defined his career.