The Netherlands' annual Budget Day and opening of parliament is called Prinsjesdag, "Little Princes' Day", as a reminder of its royal origins.
In the 17th and 18th century the occasion was the birthday of the Prince of Orange, but these days it's the kick-off of another parliamentary season of democratic debating and deft decisionmaking.
Here's a video impression of the pomp and circumstance and the people's carnival surrounding the event. Below is RNW's political correspondent John Tyler's view of the proceedings.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte has barely landed in his chair before he turns, makes eye contact with a colleague, smiles, nods, winks and repeats this sequence until he has greeted a dozen or so friends and colleagues.
The Dutch prime minister is known for his easygoing manner. He always comes across as relaxed - smiling, telling jokes and calling people by their first names. And now, here he is in the historic 13th century Hall of Knights, playing a central part in the most formal, most ceremonial day of the Dutch political year. On Prinsjesdag the government presents its plans to parliament and the nation.
This is Mark Rutte’s first Prinsjesdag as prime minister. His informality contrasts with Queen Beatrix’s stately dignity. She brought many small formalities back into use when she ascended to the throne in 1980. She insisted on being called ‘your majesty’ and she barred the national anthem from being played at diplomatic receptions unless a member of the royal family was present.
Well-behaved
This culture clash between the country’s two leaders makes for interesting viewing in the Hall of Knights. To give the prime minister some credit, he does a pretty good job of paying attention as the queen speaks. He did, after all, write the 20-minute presentation. But while he is waiting, both before and after the speech, Rutte is jovial. One minute he’s sharing a humorous remark with Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Verhagen, the next minute the two of them are leaning forward to swap stories with two ministers just down the aisle.
The queen, who has performed this ceremony 32 times now, does not have a hair out of place. Every movement seems studied. Her son, Crown Prince Willem Alexander, seated directly across from Mark Rutte, is just as well-behaved. He sits stock still, with his hands never moving from their position at rest on his legs.
Contrast
Rutte’s jocular style does not reflect the gravity of the speech. The queen said "Our country is going through difficult times", "We are extra vulnerable" and "No one will escape the effects of the coming budget cuts".
Immediately after Queen Beatrix finished reading these sombre words, Mark Rutte reacted as if he had not heard the message, let alone actually wrote it.
The question is how many more times the Dutch public will be treated to this sharp contrast in the Hall of Knights. While this was Rutte’s first Prinsjesdag as prime minister, it may well have been Queen Beatrix’s last. She is 73, and has been on the throne since 1980. No one knows when she will step down, but she is expected to do so in the next couple of years.
Video edited by Eric Beauchemin
(rk/imm)
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The queen is not called 'your highness', but 'your majesty'. The other members of the royal family are called 'your royal highness' and the lesser members 'your highness'. Research..
You're quite right, Marc. I've fixed it. Sorry about the slip-up.
I don't suppose anyone's considering selling off that terrific carriage to help counter budgetary shortfalls, are they?
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