Prinsjesdag 2011

  September 21, 2011 at 12:47 am by

Like every year, the Dutch Royal Family has celebrated the traditional opening of parliament: Prinsjesdag.

The Royal Family left Noordeinde Palace in the Golden Carriage at 13:00, heading for the Knight’s Hall. The first to arrive at the Parliament Building were Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien, and Prince Margriet and Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven; followed by Queen Beatrix, who was accompanied by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Máxima.

View the full image at RVD

Present at the ceremony in the Knight’s Hall at the Parliament Buildings were ministers and state secretaries, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and High Councils of State and other representatives from various sectors of society. Inside Parliament, the Queen gave the Speech from the Throne. The main theme was the most current topic: the economic crisis.

“The position of the Netherlands is positive, but by the collapse of world economic growth next year will be lower than expected. The debt crisis in Europe could also affect our economy,” said Queen Beatrix. “The year ahead will therefore be a year of drastic austerity measures, all Dutch hit.” The Queen also added that “good education is fundamental to the competitiveness of our country and give people the opportunity to show their talents.”

Queen Beatrix ended her speech by wishing the politicians success in their task during the next year: ” You may, in your difficult task, by secure in the knowledge that many are wishing you wisdom and strength and God bless me to pray for you.”

At about 14:00, the Royal Family left the Parliament Building to go back to Noordeinde Palace; where they made an appearance on the Palace balcony.

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