Monarchy
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy: the position of the monarch is laid down in the Constitution. The monarch is the Dutch head of state and, together with the ministers, makes up the government. Queen Beatrix has been the head of state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 1980.
State Opening of Parliament (Prinsjesdag)
On Prinsjesdag, the Queen delivers her Speech from the Throne to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Decorations
Decorations in the Netherlands take various forms. For example, there are two orders for persons who have rendered outstanding service to society.National anthem
“Wilhelmus van Nassouwe” (the Wilhelmus) has been the official Dutch national anthem since 10 May 1932, when the Cabinet decided that it should be played on all official occasions.
