Amsterdam Royal Palace
The Royal Palace on Dam Square is the former city hall of Amsterdam. It was built in the seventeenth century, the so called Golden Age. Its splendid rooms contain a wealth of sculptures and painting that depict various historical, biblical and mythological tales. With the arrival of Louis Napoleon in 1808, the city hall was transformed into a palace, and the magnificent collection of empire furniture, clocks and chandeliers is reminiscent of that period. All these treasures can be admired in the summer, when the Palace is open to the Public
During the guides tours the symbolic meaning of the various works of art in the building is explained. The Royal Palace also appeals to children. They will be fascinated by the enormous ballroom, the study Atlas, and the snakes and lions made of stone, about which many entertaining and educational stories exist. Guided tours are also given for children, during which amusing tales are told about the things that used to happen in the Palace. Depending on the age of the children, they can look for the animals hidden in the sculptures and paintings, or imagine they are distinguished figures of the past living in the Palace.
Paleis op de Dam ( Royal Palace )
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, 147
Phone 020 620 4060
Above link gives you information on the latest speeches and other news from the Royal House hold
Opening of State Parliament.
On Prinsjesdag, the Queen in front of joint sessions of the Senate and House of Representatives.delivers her Speech from the Throne announcing her Governments
intentions for the coming year.
The Queen's official birthday (Koninginnedag)
On Koninginnedag, 30 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”.
National anthem
“Wilhelmus van Nassouwe” (the Wilhelmus) is the official Dutch national anthem since 1932. It is played on all official occasions.
Decorations
Decorations in the Netherlands take various forms. For example, there are two orders for persons who have rendered outstanding service to society.
Family Coat of arms/ Royal Standard
The national and the Queen's coat of arms are identical except for one small change being the royal coat of arms is placed on a mantle surmounted by a crown. The royal standard came in to existence in 1908.
The royal coat of arms.
Dating from 1815 it has been modified several times over the years but the present one was adopted and laid down by royal decree in 1980.
Queen Wilhelmina grandmother to the present Queen chose the flag know as the royal standard which the last two queens (Queen Juliana and Queen Beatrix) have also used,
Did you know?
It cost's just under Euro 100 million (2006 figure) to run the Royal household in the Netherlands.
Allowances paid to the Family., Prince Alexander and Princess Máxima are due to be paid €5.6 million in 2006.
Official expenses - Expenses incurred while carrying out their official Royal duties which are included in the over all budget above. The expenses for 2006 will reach €22.5 million by year ending 2006.
Other expenses relate to the management of the Royal Household. Under the Royal House Finances Act, they are not included in the budget of the Royal Household. They will total some €71.7 million in 2006.
Finances
Expenditure on the Royal House is governed by the Royal House Finances Act.
Monarchy
Netherlands is ruled by a constitutional monarchy .
The (Queens/kings) position is laid down in the Constitution. The monarch is the head of the state and along with the elected ministers, make up the government. Queen Beatrix has been the Monarch since 1980 taking over the position from her mother.
Position of the head of state
The Queen and the ministers together make up the Government of the Netherlands. Since 1848, the Constitution has laid down that the ministers are accountable to Parliament for government policy. They are also politically responsible for the Queen’s pronouncements and conduct.
Membership of the Royal House
A difference is made in between the royal family and the Royal House hold.
Succession to the throne
As in most countries it is the eldest child who succeeds to the throne on the death of the raining Monarch.
Investiture
Monarchs are not crowned king or Queen of the Netherlands but invested as heads of state.
The Queen's official birthday (Koninginnedag)
On Queens day (Koninginnedag) 29/30th April, the Netherlands celebrates the official birthday of the Queen.. Amsterdam goes wild, a crazy day all over the city. Street parties, live music , 1000's of stalls selling all types of stuff and house owners sell the contents of their attics on stalls at their front doors as well as other events which are held all around the country.
Between 500.000 and 1 million people come out to party on the streets of Amsterdam alone.
Queens day in Amsterdam is a crazy day , officially called a free day (Frij Daag) a day where you can do almost anything and you will not get into trouble
with the police. (There are a few exceptions of course)
The Royal Household.
If takes over 300 staff to keep the royal residences
it working order. They are located at The Hague, Amsterdam, Wassenaar and Apeldoorn.
Security of the family
The job of protecting the Royal family is down to the Diplomatic Protection Department or DKDB who accompany members of the Royal House, at home and abroad.
