Netherlands: the Netherlands celebrate “Prinsjesdag” with all the princesses

The Dutch King Willem-Alexander has traditionally opened the parliamentary year with the throne speech. Queen Máxima (54) and for the first time also all three daughters were present at the reading in the Royal Theater of Den Haag. Because all princesses, Crown Princess Amalia (21), Alexia (20) and Ariane (18), are now of legal age.

In the “glass carriage”, pulled by eight black horses, the royal family drove from the palace to the theater. Despite the stormy weather, the streets were lined with many thousands of onlookers. The parliament, where the ceremony is traditionally taking place, is currently being extensively renovated.

The highlight for many royal family fans was the balcony scene. At the end of the official program, the family presented itself on the balcony of the palace and waved to people.

Exceptional “Prinsejesdag”

In his throne speech, the king complained about increasing polarization and called on politicians to work together. “Debates and disagreements are part of a lively democracy,” he said. “But this also includes the willingness to shake hands with each other despite the differences in adults.”

The “Prinsjesdag” (literally the day of the little prince) is always traditionally on Tuesday in September. The monarch then reads the throne speech to the MPs of the first and second chamber of the parliament. In it, the government will present its plans for the coming year. The household will also be presented later.

This year it is an extraordinary situation. The government coalition had burst in summer, according to which the right -wing populist Geert Wilders had declared the exit of his extremely right party for freedom. In the meantime, the Center Part NSC also left the coalition. The remaining two government parties no longer have a majority in parliament. New elections are scheduled for October 29.