Elizabeth de Libero: When the King Stops to Say Hello, You Know You Belong
An unexpected royal encounter
For Elizabeth de Libero, one of her most memorable moments in The Hague came when she least expected it. She was heavily pregnant, sharing lunch at a café with her toddler, when a man stopped to compliment her son’s bright orange tiger headphones. Only later did the waitress lean over and whisper, “Do you know who that was? That was the King.” Elizabeth laughs as she remembers it. “I was too busy recognising the café owner from the photos on the wall to even realise who I had spoken to. But everyone was so kind about it, and that was when I thought, this city makes space for everyone, even when you do not know the rules yet”, her voice lifts slightly as she tells it, painting the moment as if it just happened yesterday.
From a short stay to a long-term home
Having grown up in the suburbs of New York, Elizabeth’s path to The Hague was shaped by a decision she and her Italian husband had not expected to make. They were happily settled in California with their young son when he accepted a job in the Netherlands. What began as a three to six-month trial turned into a much longer stay. Within a couple of years, they had bought a house, discovered they were expecting their daughter, and realised they had found a place where both their family and careers could grow. “The Hague was supposed to be temporary,” Elizabeth says. “But ten years later, we are still here. It feels like the perfect middle ground, a place that belongs to neither of us but works for all of us.”
“This is a city where you do not have to be from here to belong here. Everyone brings something, and that is what makes it feel like home.”
A school that saw her family and her future
Elizabeth now works as the Director of Engagement and External Relations at The British School in the Netherlands, the largest international school in the country. In her role, she connects with international families as they begin new chapters of their lives. She first came to the school as a parent, drawn by its balance between structure and creativity and its welcoming environment. “Our son was shy and quiet, the kind of child who could have been overlooked,” she says. “But his teacher saw him, encouraged him, and built his confidence so much that I cried whenever I ran into her for years afterwards. That was when I understood how strong the community can be here, and why it matters so much for families to feel settled.”, she says slowly, visibly moved, the memory still vivid in her voice.
Welcoming families from around the world
At The British School in the Netherlands (BSN), Elizabeth is part of a community that plays a central role in welcoming international families to the region. With four campuses in and around The Hague and students representing nearly 90 nationalities, the BSN is often one of the first meeting points for newcomers. It offers more than just high-quality education; it provides an entryway into life in the Netherlands. From casual conversations at school gates to organised parent gatherings, the BSN helps forge lasting connections between families and prioritises building a sense of belonging.
A city that offers balance and belonging
From the start, The Hague’s beauty and accessibility left a lasting impression. Elizabeth still finds herself pausing to admire the historic streets and green spaces near her home, often on her way to brunch or dinner with her family. The international feel of the city, the museums, the concerts, and the ability to walk nearly everywhere make it feel dynamic yet comfortable. “We grew up near big cities, so we love the culture and energy that comes with urban life,” she says. “But The Hague also gives us calm, space, and balance. It is a rare combination.”
“Helping families feel at home here is not just my job. It is something I understand because I remember exactly what it felt like to be new.”
The Hague International Centre makes a difference
Elizabeth's connection to The Hague International Centre grew through her work at the BSN, and the importance of their collaboration to support internationals. She has seen firsthand how valuable the Centre is for newcomers. “When you first arrive, everything feels like a long list of unknowns. What documents do you need? Where do you register? How do you navigate systems that are not yet familiar?” she says. “The Centre answers those questions and gives people confidence so they can focus on building their lives instead of worrying about the basics.”
Finding joy in the everyday
Outside of work, Elizabeth and her family have embraced Dutch life in their own way. They walk and cycle everywhere, enjoy the city’s mix of international dining options, and still laugh about moments like their unexpected royal encounter. “That memory sums up The Hague for me,” she says. “It is a city where you can meet anyone, from neighbours to royalty, and still feel at ease. Everyone has space here.”
For Elizabeth, The Hague is more than the city where her family lives. It is where they built a life they did not expect to find, one rooted in community, culture, and connection. “We came thinking it was just for a little while,” she says. “But this city surprised us. It feels like ours now, and I think that is the best measure of belonging.”
The Hague International Centre 15 Year Anniversary
If you are new to The Hague, supporting newcomers, or simply curious about what makes this city so international, visit the The Hague International Centre. Whether you are looking for information, inspiration, or collaboration, it is the place to start. Over the past 15 years, the International Centre has welcomed 60.000 internationals from all walks of life, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences.
