You probably haven’t missed it: we have a new cabinet! In this blog you can read what happened at the palace this morning.
In the time of Queen Beatrix, cameras were not or only sparsely present at the swearing in of the new cabinet. This morning we were fortunately able to follow the ceremony minute by minute, which made it possible to write this blog.
The ceremony took place in the beautiful Oranjezaal of Paleis Huis ten Bosch. When the doors of the room were opened, the king was already standing by, as were his grandmaster (Chris Breeveld) and the head of the RVD (Edith van Gemert). Dick Schoof, the new prime minister, was the first to enter the room, followed by Christoffer Jonker, the director of the King’s Cabinet.
In the vestibule (hall) of the palace, the new team of ministers was already ready. Dick Schoof introduced them one by one, starting with the first deputy prime minister, second deputy prime minister, third deputy prime minister, fourth deputy prime minister and then the other ministers in order of seniority of their ministry. One by one, they said goodbye to the king with the words ‘Goodbye Majesty’. The king in turn said: welcome, nice to see you again. The word ‘again’ showed that the king is an involved player in the whole.
After everyone had been introduced by Dick Schoof, the king said: Mr. Jonker, may I, the director of my cabinet, request you to begin swearing in the new ministers?
Mr. Jonker began his task by reading out what would be promised or sworn. In short: not accepting any gifts in the position of minister, swearing allegiance (or promising allegiance) to the king and his cabinet and the Constitution. Fulfilling the duties that come with the office also fell under the promise or oath. One by one, the new ministers took two steps forward, after which their promise or oath was heard. For those wondering what the proportions were: 10 promises (of which 1 in Frisian) and 6 oaths.
After all the ministers had been sworn in, the King said: “My warmest congratulations. I wish you much wisdom in your demanding office.”
The ceremony then continued with the introduction and swearing in of the state secretaries. After all the promises and oaths had been made, the king said: “I congratulate you all heartily and wish you much wisdom in your demanding office.”
Then the camera was turned off and the male ministers could quickly go to the room where they could change from their morning coat to a suit. Because Juliana did not want to be in the photo on the steps between “undertakers”, it is customary in the Netherlands for the gentlemen to undergo a change of clothes for the moment suprême.
Media room
Before the swearing-in ceremony, some royal decrees were signed by Dick Schoof and King Willem-Alexander. This took place in Máxima’s multimedia room, or: the room where the video conferences take place. Would you like to read more about the room or the paintings on the walls? Then click here.
