King Willem-Alexander opens the doors of his palace for a centuries-old royal tradition

King Willem-Alexander opened the doors of Noordeinde Palace for one of the Dutch monarchy’s most traditional ceremonies on Wednesday, September 2.

The 59-year-old monarch welcomed the newly appointed ambassadors of Mexico, Algeria and Spain to his working palace in The Hague, where they presented their letters of credence and were formally recognized as their countries’ representatives in the Netherlands.

While the photographs shared by the Dutch Royal House capture the ambassadors meeting the King inside the palace, there is much more to the centuries-old ceremony than what happens behind its doors.

A royal arrival:

Before meeting Willem-Alexander, each new ambassador is collected in a ceremonial state carriage accompanied by one of the King’s chamberlains. Members of the embassy staff follow in a blue carriage, while mounted members of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee escort the procession to Noordeinde Palace.

Once there, a guard of honor and military band await in the palace forecourt. Four drum rolls are performed before the national anthem of the ambassador’s country is played. The diplomat then inspects the guard of honor before heading inside for the royal audience.

The important documents presented to the King:

At the palace, the ambassador presents Willem-Alexander with credentials originating from their country’s head of state. The documents formally introduce the new ambassador and establish their authority to represent their country.

The moment has real diplomatic significance. Once the King accepts the credentials, the ambassador is officially accredited to the Netherlands. A short conversation with the monarch traditionally follows the presentation.

Wednesday’s new ambassadors were Alicia Buenrostro Massieu of Mexico, Mustafa Abdelhak Gasmi of Algeria and Cecilia Robles Cartes of Spain.

Another royal duty at Noordeinde:

It was a busy day at the historic palace. Willem-Alexander also swore in four new state councillors who will serve in the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State, offering another glimpse at the constitutional duties that remain part of the modern Dutch monarch’s role.

© Patrick van Katwijk

Noordeinde is Willem-Alexander’s working palace rather than the royal family’s primary residence. Both the King and Queen Máxima have offices there, and the historic building regularly serves as the setting for audiences, receptions and official ceremonies.

For Wednesday’s three diplomatic guests, however, the palace visit marked a particularly important first, the ceremonial beginning of their roles representing their countries in the Netherlands.