Raad van State Dinner at Noordeinde Palace

The Princess of Orange joined King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands as they hosted a Dinner for the members of the Raad van State (Council of State) at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague on September 18th, after the King gave the annual Prinsjesdag Speech to the Dutch Parliament at the Koninklijke Schouwburg.

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King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were joined by the Princess of Orange as they hosted a Dinner for the Members of the Council of State at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.

The Raad van State is an advisory body to the government and States General of the Netherlands that officially consists of members of the royal family and Crown-appointed members generally having political, commercial, diplomatic or military experience. It was founded in 1531, making it one of the world’s oldest still-functioning state organisations.

The Council of State is an independent advisor to the government and parliament on legislation and administration and the highest general administrative court in the Netherlands. According to the Constitution, the King is the chairman of the Council of State. This is a ceremonial function. The daily management is in the hands of the vice-president. The Royal Couple and the Princess of Orange host a dinner for the members of the Council of State every two years.

The Princess of Orange has been a member of the Council of State and the Advisory Division since her eighteenth birthday. The intended heir to the throne can thus prepare for her future task as head of state by, among other things, acquiring the necessary knowledge of legislation and constitutional law. Queen Máxima also has a seat in the Advisory Division. They can participate in meetings, but have no voting rights. They are not involved in the judicial task of the Council of State.

Queen Máxima wore a Valentino Gown with the Necklace and Earrings of the Dutch Aquamarine Parure.

The Princess of Orange wore a navy gown with the Dutch Diamond Trellis Necklace and Diamond Earrings.

📸 Patrick van Katwijk

King Willem-Alexander gave a Speech:

Mr. Vice President, members and state councilors of the Council of State, ladies and gentlemen,

A warm welcome to Noordeinde Palace, also on behalf of the Queen and the Princess of Orange. This dinner is one of the ways in which we express our special bond with you. We are very pleased that you have accepted the invitation, many of you in the company of your partner. It is great that you are here!

The Council of State is sometimes seen by some as a dignified institution that is somewhat elevated above daily practice. But anyone who knows the Council from the inside knows that this is a misconception.
Well, yes… the Council may not be denied some dignity. But as far as daily practice is concerned, the image is really unjustified. Because if there is one institution that is in contact with the daily lives of citizens, it is the Council of State. And that applies to both departments.

The Administrative Law Division deals with very specific questions that directly affect people:
Will I or will I not get that residence permit and will I be allowed to stay in the Netherlands?
Is it allowed to build in front of my door?
Can I expand my business?

And at the Advisory Department, all legal regulations that people have to deal with are examined. You also look at whether citizens and companies can cope with those rules.

Are they manageable and feasible in practice? And can they be enforced? After all, laws and regulations must be ‘doable’.

This aspect of the advisory work does not always receive the attention it deserves. The Council of State is not interested in legal and procedural hairsplitting. It is about good, clear and consistent legislation that is lawful and effective. I think this is a core value for a free, democratic constitutional state.

Mr. Vice President, you are one of those who repeatedly highlight the importance of our democratic constitutional state. Patient, friendly and persistent. You also advocate that institutional powers ‘leave each other whole’. Which does not mean, however, that they should be uncritical.

Alertness to shortcomings – in others, but most certainly also in yourself – is essential.

It is good to see that the Council of State continues to learn and improve itself. In this way, the Council also shows that it is at the heart of society.

Thanks to this solid anchoring in society, the Council of State can continue to operate with self-confidence and faith in its own strength. Even in the midst of political discussions about its tasks and organisation, such as now with the intention to make the Administrative Jurisdiction Division independent. A plan that has been discussed for 130 years… We will see where this will lead.

In any case, we are all together tonight, as usual. And that is something to celebrate!

May I therefore ask you to raise your glass with me.

To our Council of State!

The Dutch Royal Family joined King Willem-Alexander as he gave the annual Prinsjesdag Speech to the Dutch Parliament at the Koninklijke Schouwburg before appearing on the Balcony of Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.