Alderman gives starting signal for Royal September in royal The Hague

Alderman Bruines (centre) gives start signal for Royal September at the royal millinery ‘Chapeau!’ in De Passage in The Hague.(Photo: The Hague & Partners / Arnaud Roelofsz)

The Hague - The canal boat is bobbing in the Hofvijver, the orange banners are flying and the royal hats have been dusted off. Everything is ready to usher in Royal September. Every year, for ten days leading up to Prinsjesdag, all of The Hague celebrates being the royal city of the Netherlands with a huge range of events and festivities. This year, Alderman Saskia Bruines (Economic Development) kicked off Royal September.

Alderman Bruines: ‘It is great that the whole city is looking forward to Prinsjesdag in this way. The Hague really feels extra royal these weeks. Prinsjesdag also marks the opening of the parliamentary year, an important moment in our democracy. There are all kinds of activities for young and old to do, see and experience in the city. For residents and visitors. Everyone is welcome to celebrate this party here.’

During Royal September, this year from Saturday 7 to Tuesday 17 September, The Hague celebrates being the royal city. From markets to music, cabaret, debate evenings, canal trips on the Hofvijver, an outdoor cinema, fashion shows and openings of monumental buildings and palaces; Royal September's agenda is packed with festivities. And that on top of the regular royal offerings in the city. For instance, the audio and video walk the ‘Royal Tour’, royal shopping in the Royal District and visits to museums such as Escher in Het Paleis.

The icon for Royal September this year is the ‘royal hat’, which was also put on by alderman Bruines during the kick-off moment in De Passage. In the central part of the covered shopping arcade, the artwork Chapeau! has been hanging since this week. This work, created by The Hague designer Pink Steenvoorden, consists of hats from the former exclusive hat shop Ladies Paradise. The shop, which was located in De Passage until its closure in 2000, had many Dutch celebrities as clients, including Her Majesty the Queen.

Steenvoorden: ‘A few years ago, a batch of as many as 3,000 hats, mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, was discovered in an empty space above Ladies Paradise's old storefront. With the installation Chapeau! the forgotten hats regain something of their grandeur. It will also form a colourful décor with a royal touch for visitors to The Passage during Royal September.’

The hat theme will be seen frequently in The Hague in the coming days, including during the fashion show at the Prinsjesmarkt, during The Hague Hat Stroll and, of course, on Prinsjesdag itself.

Highlights Royal September 2024

• Cruises on the Hofvijver (Saturday 7 to Tuesday 17 September)
• Presentation of Credentials (Wednesday 11 September)
• The Royal Outdoor Cinema (Wednesday 11 September to Sunday 15 September)
• Launch of showcase exhibition Royal Traditions in Pictures (from Thursday 12 September)
• The big public day of the Prinsjesfestival (Saturday 14 September)
• Openings of palaces on Open Monument Day (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September)
• Dress rehearsal of the Prinsjesdag driving tour (Sunday 15 September)
• Beach exercise of the Cavalerie Honorary Escort (Monday 16 September)
• Free live music festival PrinsjesNach (Monday 16 September)
• The royal procession on Prinsjesdag (Tuesday 17 September)

For all events, go to the Royal September overview page on denhaag.com