+31 (0)50 367 71 97 
info@connect-int.org
The Dutch Royal House is the House of Oranje-Nassau, which dates back to Willem van Oranje.
In the 16th century, Emperor Charles V assigned Willem of Nassau the post of stadtholder (steward in English) of the provinces Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Gelderland and Overijssel. Willem later inherited the title of Oranje from a cousin.
In the 17th century, Willem III was Stadtholder, and was also crowned King of England in 1689. Willem III died without children, bringing an end to that line of stadholdership.
From Stadholdership to Kingdom
After a period of unrest and French occupation, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was established in 1815. The first head of state was Willem Frederik, a descendant of Willem of Oranje.
The events of WWII and the resistance against the occupation by Nazi Germany renewed the strong historical bond between Dutch patriotism and the Royal House Oranje-Nassau.
Symbols of the Royal House
You may have already seen it, especially in the run up to King’s Day, or when the Dutch football team is playing: ORANGE! The Dutch show their patriotism by wearing the colour orange with pride! The tradition comes from the first Stadholder, Willem of Oranje, and in English, oranje is orange.
Especially for King’s Day, even supermarkets promote special treats and desserts with an orange twist. You will also see plenty of crowns, lions (the Dutch mascot), and the Dutch flag making an appearance too.
Royal House of Oranje-Nassau Today
The year 2013 was a significant one for the Dutch monarchy. On 30th April 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated in favour of her son, Willem-Alexander. King Willem-Alexander now rules alongside his wife, Queen Máxima. The royal couple have three daughters: Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane.
King’s Day
Known as ‘Koningsdag’ in Dutch, King’s Day is celebrated yearly on the 27th April (or if 27th is a Sunday, it is celebrated a day earlier on Saturday 26th).
The day is celebrated across the country in celebration of King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. The Dutch celebrate by wearing lots of orange, holding flea markets (tax free) on the streets and street parties in the larger cities. Amsterdam particularly holds city wide celebrations with live music and merriment.