look here fr more:
http://www.royalimages.nl/theme/theme.asp?themeid=406
and, with thanks to Henri M & the glittering royal events MB, here the speeches from Beatrix and Maxima:
THE PRESIDENT
"Mister the Vice-president, Members of the Council of State and you -as the Constitution expresses it so precisely- who have a seat in this Council, it is my particular pleasure to be amidst of you and to chair the solemn -and at the same time festive- extraordinary assembly to introduce my daughter-in-law Máxima in this High College of State.
Before I will do so, I request the secretary to read the Royal Decree in which to Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands is granted a seat in the Council of State."
THE SECRETARY
[Reads aloud the Royal Decree]
THE PRESIDENT
"Máxima,
Directly after your engagement with Willem-Alexander started with a profound program of introduction to get acquainted with the Netherlands and its society. This gave you the possibility to come in contact with the Dutch society and with numerous authorities, institutions and social organizations, all active on a multiplicity of grounds. You have made use of these possibilities with great enthusiasm and with large efforts.
You have learned to know the Netherlands - and the Netherlands also you. You have worked hard in that period and developed good senses and a feeling for what lives here and in the Kingdom. In the explanatory memorandum attached to the Act of Consent for your marriage, the government had already announced that once you would have a seat in the Council of State. That moment has arrived now.
According the Constitution, the Prince of Orange has a seat in the Council of State since his eighteenth year. The Constitution gives the possibility that also other members of the Royal House are granted a seat in this Council. It is a long tradition that this possibility is offered to the spouse of the future King or Queen. Because this can give you an understanding in the problems of the time, broaden your knowledge and gain you valuable experience. I expect that you will experience this as well and therefore I was eager to grant you a seat in this Council by the Royal Decree the secretary has read aloud just
As can this understanding get in the problems of the time, are or her knowledge broaden and waardevolle experience gain. I expect that you that also so will experience and I have you therefore eager session in the Council granted by the Royal Decide that the Secretary has read aloud just now.
The Council of State is almost 475 years old and is with that one of the oldest institutions of State in our country. In 1531, the Council was set up to bring advice about "all grand and main affairs". In the hundreds of years of its existence, it has fulfilled its duties in quite strongly variable circumstances. At present to day, the Council still is the most important counseling body of the government on the territories of legislation and administration. Also the relations of the Kingdom and the European integration come at order in this Council.
By attending sessions of this High College of State, you will gain knowledge about a multiplicity of subjects – and also see how the Council works and and determines its counsels and advices. Because finally the quality of that advices is dependending on the understanding and the experiences of all the different state-councillors, it can be useful for you to learn then better in person.
In the name of all state-councillors, I From name of all state council, I give you a warm welcome. Now I'm pleased to give the word to Princess Máxima."
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HRH Princess Máxima of the Netherlands addresses her mother-in-law (Queen Beatrix), who is the president of the Council of State.
"President, [the Princess smiles to the Queen]
I thank you for your warm words and I am very honoured that you wanted to introduce me into the Council of State by yourself.
It is a privilege to be allowed a seat in this High College of State from which you are the president. In this way, a tradition is continued, that is of interest for a good fulfillment of my duties as spouse to the future King and as mother Princess Catharina-Amalia. I'm pleased to meet you in the coming time and to learn more about the workings of the Council and with its members. I have already been amidst of you once and I would like to use this occasion to express my gratitude for the help that many state-councillors have provided me during my period of introduction. Your understandings and knowledge have made a great impression on me. I am eager to remain involved in your activities and in that way I hope to learn more about your workings as High College of State."
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