When may I fly the flag and when not?
In 2009, the Prime Minister drew up instructions for flying the flag on government buildings. The instructions also apply to local authorities. There are no such instructions for individuals, businesses and non-governmental organisations, but they are advised to follow these instructions.
The flag is flown on the following dates (or if the date given falls on a Sunday, on the date between brackets):
- 31 January (1 February): the Queen's birthday
- 27 April (28 April): birthday of the Prince of Orange
- 30 April (29 April): Koninginnedag (the Queen's official birthday)
- 4 May (4 May ): Remembrance Day (half mast from 18:00 to sunset)
- 5 May (5 May): Liberation Day
- 17 May (18 May): birthday of Princess Máxima
- last Saturday in June: Veterans Day
- 15 August (16 August): the formal end of the Second World War
- 3rd Tuesday in September: Prinsjesdag (the State Opening of Parliament); only in The Hague)
- 7 December (8 December): Birthday of Princess Catharina-Amalia
- 15 December (16 December): Kingdom Day
On Koninginnedag and the birthdays mentioned above, the flag is flown with an orange pennant. On all other occasions, it is flown without the orange pennant.
On the occasion of special events in the Royal House (such as births, marriages and deaths), special instructions may be given.
During official visits by foreign heads of state, the flag is flown only in the places visited.