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Photo of H.M. the Queen © RVD / Max Koot Studio, photo: Rob Ris Enlarge

Monarchy

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy: the position of the monarch is laid down in the Constitution. The monarch is the Dutch head of state and, together with the ministers, makes up the government. Queen Beatrix has been the head of state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 1980.

  1. Position of the head of state

    Position and role of the monarch (King or Queen) as head of state
    The monarch and the ministers together make up the Government.
    The monarch is the head of state and as such has to carry out a number of official tasks.
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  2. Membership of the Royal House

    A distinction is made in the Netherlands between the royal family and the Royal House.
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  3. Succession to the throne

    When the monarch dies or abdicates, his or her eldest son or daughter succeeds to the throne.
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  4. Investiture

    Monarchs are not crowned in the Netherlands but invested as heads of state.
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  5. State Opening of Parliament (Prinsjesdag)

    On Prinsjesdag, the Queen delivers her Speech from the Throne to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives.
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  6. The Queen's official birthday (Koninginnedag)

    On Koninginnedag, 30 April, (in 2006 on Saturday 29 April) the Netherlands celebrates the Queen’s official birthday. Street parties and other events are held all around the country, often organised by local “Orange associations”.
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  7. Het opgevraagde object is niet van het type documentNational anthem

    “Wilhelmus van Nassouwe” (the Wilhelmus) has been the official Dutch national anthem since 10 May 1932, when the Cabinet decided that it should be played on all official occasions.
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  8. Decorations

    Decorations in the Netherlands take various forms. For example, there are two orders for persons who have rendered outstanding service to society.
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  9. Coat of arms and standard

    The national coat of arms is the same as the Queen’s coat of arms, with one difference.
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  10. Finances

    Expenditure on the Royal House is governed by or pursuant to the Royal House Finances Act.
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