Last Updated on April 10, 2026
Let me take you on a little adventure through one of the most exciting days in Dutch politics: Prinsjesdag! Every third Tuesday in September, The Netherlands comes alive with royal fanfare and a bit of political flair. It’s a day when all eyes are on His Majesty the King as he delivers the speech from the throne, setting the stage for the government’s plans for the coming year. But that’s just the beginning! Get ready to dive into the magic of Prinsjesdag in The Netherlands, explore the rich history, and feel the atmosphere that fills the streets of The Hague on this special day. Buckle up, this is going to be fun! 😀
Table of contents
- When is Prinsjesdag?
- Prinsjesdag 2026: the program
- Route driving tour
- The royal procession
- The throne speech
- Watch the balcony scene
- The golden coach at Prinsjesdag
- There will be hats at Prinsjesdag
- The briefcase at Prinsjesdag
- Explore The Hague afterwards
- Transportation in and around The Hague
- Other tips
- Conclusion
- Save for later!
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
When is Prinsjesdag?
Prinsjesdag, the third Tuesday in September, is this year on 15 September 2026.
Prinsjesdag 2026: the program
This is the program:
- Morning: The National Budget and the Budget Memorandum go into the Minister of Finance’s briefcase. The Royal Theater is prepared for all guests.
- 12:45 p.m.: All invited guests are arrive at the Royal Theater.
- 1 p.m.: Departure of Royal procession from the Noordeinde Palace and opening of the United Assembly of the States General (Royal Theater).
- 1:15 p.m.: The Royal procession arrives at the Royal Theater. From departure to arrival, a gun salute is fired every minute on Malieveld. The King delivers the Speech from the Throne.
- 1:50 p.m.: The Royal procession returns to Noordeinde Palace.
- 2:00 p.m.: Next is the balcony scene.
- 3:30 p.m.: The Minister presents the briefcase with the Budget and the National Budget to the Lower House.
Route driving tour
Our King travels at 13:00 hours in a coach from The Hague palace Noordeinde (location) via the Lange Voorhout and the Korte Vijverberg to the Royal Theater in The Hague (location). For years, the speech was held in the Ridderzaal (knights’ hall) in the Binnenhof (inner court), but due to the renovation of the Binnenhof (Inner Court) this year it is at the Royal Theater. Around 13:50 the royal procession returns to Noordeinde Palace where the royal family appears on the balcony.
Tip: the municipality places fences at streets that will be closed for Prinsjesdag. The carriage route will be closed on both sides between 12:45 and 14:30.
The royal procession
One of the most thrilling parts of Prinsjesdag is the royal procession. Bright and early, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, dressed in their finest, step out of Noordeinde Palace and climb into their gleaming horse-drawn carriage. As they roll through the streets of The Hague, you’ll feel the buzz of excitement as everyone strains to catch a glimpse of the royals.
But it’s not just about royal waves, this procession is packed with pomp! The streets come alive with the sight of standard bearers, cavalry, and other honorary escorts, all showing off the military. Right outside the palace, an escort of honor is ready. A military band will set the scene for this grand event.
Pro tip: get there early! The true Orange fans show up at dawn to claim their front-row spots. Don’t sleep in if you want the best view!
The throne speech
As King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima arrive at the Royal Theater, the band strikes up the Wilhelmus (the national anthem). The king and the royals salute the flag of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (the oldest regiment in the Dutch military) before making their grand ascent up the theater’s steps.
Now comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the king is about to speak! Exciting, right? Well… maybe not quite as thrilling as you’d hope. See, the king doesn’t actually write the speech. It’s more of a government script, and let’s be honest, it can get a little dry. The speech lays out the Dutch government’s plans for the year ahead, covering the big topics like the economy, healthcare, and social issues. Important stuff, sure… but it’s not exactly edge-of-your-seat material. Plus, every year, the speech gets leaked to the media before it’s even read, so the “big reveal” has lost its spark.
But tradition is tradition! When the king wraps it up, the speaker of the Senate declares, “Leve de koning!” (“Long live the King!”), and the crowd responds with a thunderous “HOERA! HOERA! HOERA!” This festive moment marks the official end of the joint session of Parliament.
And just like that, another Prinsjesdag is in the books!
Watch the balcony scene
Don’t miss the royal family’s balcony appearance at Noordeinde Palace after the procession! It’s a special moment when King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and their family wave to the cheering crowds. Below you can see my photo of a picture-perfect Prinsjesdag moment 😉
The golden coach at Prinsjesdag
For years, several Dutch kings and queens rode in a golden carriage on Prinsjesdag. However, for some time now, there has been much discussion about the imagery on the side of the golden coach. It depicts a white woman on a throne, surrounded by people with darker skin tones bowing to her and offering gifts at her feet. The image is associated with slavery, and many find it unacceptable, which I completely understand. As a result, our king has decided to stop using the carriage with this image. He now rides in a glass carriage instead.
For Dutch readers, below is a short video explaining the history of the golden carriage:
There will be hats at Prinsjesdag
On Prinsjesdag in The Netherlands, the men dress to impress in their most formal attire, but it’s the women who really steal the show with their extravagant hats! This tradition started back in 1977, when a member of parliament decided to break free from the sea of grey suits by wearing something bold. Since then, it’s become a yearly spectacle, with many women opting for colorful, eye-catching headwear. Some even use their hats to make political statements! In 2009, for example, Marianne Thieme sported a black chef’s hat with the slogan “Meat-Free Mondays.” Two years later, she wore an admiral’s cap with the words “Save Our Seas,” and in 2021, Esther Ouwehand showed up wearing a hat made from a severed tree trunk!
Get ready: there’s always plenty of gossip, gasps, and applause over these fashion statements!
Tip: why not join in and don your own stylish or quirky hat? It’s a great way to feel part of the event!
The briefcase at Prinsjesdag
Since 1947, the budget has been carried in a special briefcase, imitating the British Budget Day tradition. The current briefcase, made in 1964, has the words “Third Tuesday of September” printed on it in Dutch.
Explore The Hague afterwards
After the official events, take time to explore the beautiful city of The Hague. From the Peace Palace to the Mauritshuis Museum, there are plenty of cultural landmarks to enjoy. The city’s cafes and restaurants also offer great spots to unwind after the excitement of Prinsjesdag.
Transportation in and around The Hague
Public transport schedules are modified on Prinsjesdag and many streets in the city center are closed. The municipality of The Hague advises you to come to the city by bicycle or public transport. Visit denhaag.com/prinsjesdag for more information.
Make sure to check the HTM website for updates on bus and tram routes, as many lines will have detours. There are detours for streetcar lines 1, 15, 16 and 17, and bus 22, 24 and 28.
If you’re traveling by train, The Hague Central Station is your best bet for easy access.
Other tips
- Plan your spot wisely: the prime viewing spots include the Noordeinde Palace, the Lange Voorhout, and the Korte Vijverberg.
- Bring snacks and water: pack a small bag with snacks and water to keep you energized throughout the day, especially if you plan on standing for long periods.
- Bring a camera: make sure your phone or camera is fully charged for all the photos and videos you’ll want to take!
- Expect crowds and be patience: Prinsjesdag in The Netherlands attracts thousands of spectators, so be prepared for large crowds. Patience is key! Arriving early and mapping out your route in advance will help you avoid any last-minute stress.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Prinsjesdag in the Netherlands is a day of royal splendor, political tradition, and a touch of fun! Celebrated every third Tuesday in September, this event is packed with regal pomp and ceremony. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima lead a grand procession through The Hague, with the King delivering the Throne Speech, which lays out the government’s plans for the upcoming year. But it’s not all business, Prinsjesdag is also known for its flair, especially with the extravagant hats worn by women, adding a splash of color and personality to the day.
While the iconic Golden Coach has been replaced by a glass carriage due to controversy over its imagery, the magic of Prinsjesdag remains unchanged. Despite its political roots, it’s a lively celebration of Dutch identity, democracy, and tradition, with enthusiastic crowds lining the streets.
So, are you ready to experience the excitement of Prinsjesdag in the Netherlands?
Save for later!
This article is featured on GPSmyCity. To download it for offline reading or to create a self-guided walking tour of the attractions highlighted here, visit Walking Tours in Hague.
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