Not an official holiday
Prinsjesdag
01
Historical Context
Prinsjesdag falls on the third Tuesday of September. The King reads the Speech from the Throne and presents the national budget.
Prinsjesdag marks the opening of the parliamentary year. The name refers to the Orange princes. The tradition dates back to 1848, when Thorbecke's constitutional reform strengthened the parliamentary system.
The King rides in the Glass Coach from Noordeinde Palace to the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) in The Hague, where he reads the Speech from the Throne. The public gathers along the route. The Minister of Finance presents the famous briefcase containing the national budget.
03
Frequently asked questions
Is Prinsjesdag a day off?
No, Prinsjesdag is not a day off. It is, however, an important political day in The Hague.
What is the Prinsjesdag briefcase?
The briefcase contains the Miljoenennota, the national budget for the coming year, presented by the Minister of Finance.