Prinsjesdag is an important event in the Netherlands, best translated as “Prince’s Day”. It’s an annual tradition where the Dutch monarch addresses a joint session of the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives in the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) in The Hague. This speech, known as the “Speech from the Throne” (Troonrede), outlines the government’s plans and policies for the coming parliamentary session. Prince Day is a big and special happening.
This day is marked by various ceremonial activities, including a royal procession in a horse-drawn carriage, military parades, and other festivities. It typically occurs on the third Tuesday of September.
Prinsjesdag, or “Prince’s Day,” is a Dutch tradition dating back to the 17th century when it was originally celebrated on the birthday of Prince William of Orange. It evolved into an annual event marking the opening of the parliamentary year by the reigning monarch, with a ceremonial procession to the Binnenhof in The Hague, where the King or Queen delivers the Speech from the Throne outlining the government’s agenda. Today, Prinsjesdag remains a significant cultural and political event in the Netherlands, symbolizing the unity between the monarchy and the parliament.
Majestic Carriage Procession
Prinsjesdag features a majestic procession in which King Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Crown Princess Amalia travel in a large carriage from Noordeinde Palace to the Ridderzaal in The Hague, accompanied by a military escort and cheered by crowds. This is an event attended by many people and shown on national TV. This annual tradition marks the opening of the parliamentary year in the Netherlands with pomp and ceremony.
Speech from the Throne
The highlight of Budget Day is the Speech from the Throne, where the reigning monarch, King Willem Alexander, gives a speech in which he explains the government’s plans and priorities for the coming term, and identifies the political climate and the challenges the country faces.
Well-known and symbolic suitcase
On Prinsjesdag, the government presents its plans for the next fiscal year in the so-called ‘Miljoenennota”. These are the budget plans for the coming year. According to tradition, the budget plans are symbolically delivered in a “suitcase” by the Minister of Finance. The budget plans are secret until Budget Day, but these plans have usually been leaked in advance and announced by the press. The most important elements of the Budget plans are expenditure priorities, tax policy, and economic forecasts.
Tradition, Customs and Dress code
Traditionally, members of the Dutch government dress formally, very festively on Prinsjesdag, in the finest creations, adhering to certain traditional customs. Women wear a long elegant gown with long sleeves, a hat, or other distinctive head covering. The gentlemen wear a tailcoat, which is a three-piece suit consisting of a jacket, pants, and vest. Military personnel wear ceremonial attire. The dress code underlines the regal and official atmosphere of the Prinsjesdag or Prince’s Day ceremony.
Prinsjesdag is not only a formal event attended by government officials but also a day of celebration for many Dutch citizens. Some fans of the royal family stand early in the morning along the road to see the king and queen passing by in the carriage on their way to Prinsjesdag. Loads of people cheer and wave flags. Prinsjesdag is life broadcasted on national TV.
- Controversies and Debates: Examine any controversies or debates surrounding Prinsjesdag, such as criticisms of government policies or protests by activist groups. Provide a balanced analysis of different perspectives on these issues.
- Impact on Society: Explore the broader societal impact of Prinsjesdag, such as its influence on public perception of the government, economic confidence, and political discourse in the Netherlands.
Renovation of Binnenhof
The Binnenhof is the center of Dutch politics, it is the heart of democracy. The Binnenhof, including the Ridderzaal, best translated as “Knights Hall” is a medieval building complex. The Dutch government, the Senate, and the House of Representatives reside in the courtyard. The Binnenhof has been renovated since 2021, the renovation will probably last until 2028 and will cost around 750 million euros. If you would like to know more about the Binnenhof, visit the Information Center Renovation Binnenhof in The Hague. View the restoration of the historic Binnenhof, and the archaeological treasures, and discover more about the 800-year history of the complex. The Binnenhof information center is located near the Binnenhof. Since August 2021, the House of Representatives has been seated in the old Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Bezuidenhoutseweg and the Senate has been located in Het Lange Voorhout in The Hague.
➔ READ MORE – Renovation of Binnenhof, visit the Information Center Binnenhof, Plaats 22, The Hague
➔ READ MORE – Dutch Parliamentary, Democracy, Elections, and how the Dutch political system works
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