Official duties

As part of the government, she is closely involved with Dutch political life. She also keeps in close touch with developments in society.

The Queen:

• meets the prime minister on a regular basis and speaks with ministers and state secretaries;
• signs Acts of Parliament and Royal Decrees;
• appoints informateurs and formateurs when a new government is being formed;
• president of the Council of State, the government's main advisory body.
  She became a member of the Council of State on her 18th birthday.

For more information go to Position of the head of state.

International relations

The Queen represents the Netherlands both at home and abroad. She makes several state visits to other countries every year, and receives heads of state and heads of government who are visiting the Netherlands. In addition, the Queen receives in audience the heads of foreign diplomatic missions to the Netherlands, when they come to present their letters of credence or take their leave.

The Queen has a special bond with the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and Suriname, former Dutch colonies, where there is still great interest in the House of Orange. She visited these countries in 1958 and 1965. During her third visit in 1966, she introduced Prince Claus to the people of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. When Suriname became independent in 1975, the Prince and Princess attended the celebrations that accompanied the transfer of sovereignty.

In 1980, the Queen addressed the parliament (Staten) of the Netherlands Antilles. She paid regular visits to the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba with Prince Claus. In 1986, Aruba acquired separate status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Contact with the public

The Queen devotes much attention to important events in the Netherlands. Following disasters such as the Enschede fireworks explosion and the tsunami in Asia, she expresses her sympathy with those affected and talks to the bereaved.

The Queen keeps herself informed of what is going on in society and every year she attends many openings, commemorations and other official events.

Regular visits to the provinces provide the Queen with the opportunity to learn of the problems that affect people at local level. During specially organised working visits, she examines issues relating to such subjects as justice, agriculture, minorities and the environment.

The Queen is patron of many organisations. She also has several honorary appointments.