King Willem-Alexander reads Speech from the Throne

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has read his annual Speech from the Throne during Prinsjesdag.

Prinsjesdag traditionally takes place on the third Tuesday of September. The King delivers the speech during a joint session of the States-General at the Royal Theatre in The Hague. The speech outlines the government’s key plans for the coming year.

King Willem-Alexander was joined by Queen Máxima, the Princess of Orange, Princess Alexia, Princess Ariane, Prince Constantijn, and Princess Laurentien.

The speech started with, “The United Nations has designated today, September 15, as the International Day of Democracy. This adds special significance to this *Prinsjesdag* (State Opening of Parliament). At the same time, it reminds us that democracy requires constant protection and nurturing. Democracy is not a mere calculation; it is a mindset that must live within each of us. Everyone who does something for another—whether as a volunteer, an informal caregiver, or in any other capacity—contributes to the common good and strengthens the Netherlands. Fortunately, the Dutch tradition of community spirit endures as an antidote to polarisation. That is why it is so important not to narrow the concept of democracy to the mere will of the majority—the “fifty per cent plus one.” Democracy should unite people, not drive them apart.”

Following the speech, the traditional balcony appearance took place at Noordeinde Palace.

King Willem-Alexander wore a morning coat with a grey waistcoat and the insignia of a Knight of the Military Order of William. Queen Máxima wore the sash and star of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion over an off-white taffeta skirt. She paired this with a black blouse and a matching hair accessory. The Princess of Orange wore the sash and star of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion over a straight-cut olive-green gown featuring draping and a fitted cape. The Princess wore a matching hair accessory. Princess Alexia wore the sash and star of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion over a long, deep bottle-green gown with a flowing two-part cape. The Princess paired this with a burgundy fedora hat. Princess Ariane wore the sash and star of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion over a ruby-red wool crêpe column gown, featuring an embroidered tone-on-tone cape and a matching hair accessory.

Prince Constantijn wore a morning coat with a grey waistcoat and the rosette of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Princess Laurentien wore the insignia of the Grand Cross of the Order of the House of Orange over a spruce-green silk faille gown, along with a matching fascinator featuring a chevron pattern.