Prinsjesdag

Every third Tuesday of September, The Hague transforms into a vibrant scene of tradition and political ceremony. On this day, as mandated by the Constitution, the king or queen presents the government’s plans for the upcoming year in a special joint session of Parliament. This event, known as Prinsjesdag, dates back to 1814.

Prinsjesdag originally celebrated the birthday of Prince William V but later became the formal opening of the parliamentary year. In 1848, the date was moved to September for practical reasons—November proved inconvenient for Christian MPs who avoided traveling on Sundays. Since 1888, it has been held on the third Tuesday of September.

The Throne Speech takes place in the Ridderzaal, a 13th-century hall once used by Count Floris V of Holland. Over time, it fell into disrepair and served various functions, from lottery hall to emergency hospital. By the late 19th century, it was restored to its former grandeur as a symbol of state and monarchy.

The royal procession departs from Noordeinde Palace, with the monarch traveling to the Ridderzaal in the iconic Golden Coach. This carriage, a 1903 gift from Amsterdam to Queen Wilhelmina, is designed to allow the queen to stand inside—posing a challenge for the coachman navigating the low arches of the Binnenhof. The Minister of Finance also appears, carrying the famed briefcase marked “Third Tuesday in September,” containing the national budget.

Prinsjesdag hasn’t always gone smoothly. In 1932 and 1934, communist MPs disrupted the ceremony; in 1934, three were even escorted out by police. And then there’s the now-iconic hat parade: a cheerful tradition where female politicians wear extravagant headpieces, adding a touch of flair to the otherwise formal occasion.