Kingdom of Netherlands awards title to Russian actress Maria Mironova

The International Centre of Bulbous Floriculture with the support of the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Russia has instituted an annual international title of the "Envoy of Tulips." The first to be awarded that title is Russian actress Maria Mironova. The aim of the project is to popularize bulbous garden plants, environmental protection and a careful attitude to living nature.

The awarding to Maria Mironova of the title of the "Envoy of Tulips in Russia" is meant as an evidence of admiration of her beauty and charm, the extremely feminine personages she personifies on the screen, in the theatre and in life. According to Tido Hofstee, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Maria Mironova is one of the Russian actresses who is well known in Russia, as well as in the West. "We admire your skill as an actress as you have demonstrated in Pavel Lungin's film The Wedding. We admire your talent, brilliant gift of characterization, and your ability to follow your family's traditions," said the diplomat.

All these words of praise have allowed the ambassador to compare Maria Mironova with a tulip, one of the most tender spring flowers occurring in an exceptional variety of colours and forms, the press service of the International Centre of Bulbous Floriculture was quoted as saying.

Tulips are the dearest the Dutch people have had in the course of the past 400 years -- they are their tradition, symbol and faith. And the Dutch people have linked that gem which is a particle of their soul precisely with the Russian actress who is the first holder of that title.