Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Prinsjesdag


Yesterday it was Prinsjesdag, the day the parliament presents it's plans for the coming year, this year was extra interesting... what will the governement do to handle the crisis.

From Wikipedia:
Prinsjesdag (Day of the Princes) is the day on which the reigning monarch of the Netherlands (currently Queen Beatrix) addresses a joint session of the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives in the Ridderzaal or Hall of Knights in The Hague. The Throne Speech ( Troonrede) sets out the main features of government policy for the coming parliamentary session.

The occasion is prescribed by the constitution, article 65 of which states:
A statement of the policy to be pursued by the Government shall be given by or on behalf of the King before a joint session of the two Houses of the States-General that shall be held every year on the third Tuesday in September or on such earlier date as may be prescribed by Act of Parliament.


The queen arrives in the Golden Coach, a gift of a century ago by the people of Amsterdam.


It's a day where the queen is central, she is the head of state and head of government.



It's the one day of the year that the queen sits literally on the throne.


The main players of government sit in the audience today, dark faces. We are approaching heavy weather. However Holland is said to be healthy enough to survive the crisis.

Unfortunately I didn't made the pictures... :)

9 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

Even if you have not taken the photos, thank you anyway for sharing this story with your blog friends. I love your writing style to tell the news.It's always great, fun and distinctive touch of criticism sometimes in the right direction word!I liked it a lot!

But...I need to confess I did not like her style. I means about those hats! :)
Léia ;)

PAK said...

Great coach!
The royal etiquette is so distinguished -- I's a great difference in comparison to the presidents etiquette, for example.

B SQUARED said...

Some very somber faces. Hope they don't know something that we don't.

Leif Hagen said...

Fabulous queen photos and parliament! Do you think they give "coach rides?!"

Lois said...

No matter that you didn't take those pictures. They are lovely! What a beautiful coach.

Halcyon said...

The pictures and the story are quite interesting. I'm not sure I agree with a monarchy government, but it is sort of fascinating to watch.

Frank said...

Thank you for a look at your country's handling of the world's economic crisis and for a peek at how regal and elaborate the affairs of state can be there. Unbelievably beautiful coaches and solemn ceremonies.

Great post!

VP said...

Not much happiness around, I understand this is serious, but an occasional smile will help!
Good idea to post these photos, even if not yours...

Copenhagen said...

I love that golden coach...I've seen Catherine The Great's coach in real life and they all look stunning.