News item | 20-09-2022 | 17:08
“Gives… eight. Presents… rifle.” The powerful commandos drown out the crowd who applauds as the Royal Procession passes. This year not to the Ridderzaal in The Hague, but to the Koninklijke Schouwburg. This year also for the first time with the now 18-year-old princess Amalia in the Glass Coach. And, after 2 corona years, again with the full ceremonial arsenal that characterizes Prinsjesdag.
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The Defense is traditionally present at the opening of the parliamentary year. This time with 2,000 soldiers. About 300 less than in 2019 because the route is shorter. The presence symbolizes the protection that Defense offers to freedom, democracy and a strong constitutional state on a daily basis.
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The honorary deposition on the route from Noordeinde Palace consists of units of the armed forces. Among them are reservists, veterans, volunteers and a civilian representation.
In addition to the honorary deposition, Defense also contributes to the driving tour, together with the police. Furthermore, the so-called Yellow Riders give minute shots with their howitzers at the Malieveld. At the doors of the palace and the theater are ceremonial double posts. Lieutenant-general Hans Leijtens drives ahead of the procession. Together with his adjutant, he inspects the troops from his horse.
Armed Forces in Speech from the Throne
From this year on, the Koninklijke Schouwburg will be the stage for the Speech from the Throne, until the renovation of the Ridderzaal is completed.
In the Speech from the Throne, the king touches on foreign and security policy. He indicates that it once again shows how important the EU, NATO and the UN are in this. He speaks of a worldview in which democracy, sovereignty and freedom are being eroded. “The Netherlands, together with its international partners, must erect a dam against this. That requires a well-equipped armed forces for a secure Europe and a strong NATO.”
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Today, soldiers show that they can act in a professional, disciplined and dignified manner. They present themselves to the king and the Dutch population in the center of The Hague.
That is massively crowded with the public. The ceremonial is also followed by many via screens. When the procession returns to the palace, they hear the short commands one more time from the honorary barrier: “Shut down… gun. At ease.”