Experience 200 years of tradition with new showcase exhibition on credentials ceremony

Horses and carriages ride towards the palace, military guard of honour rolls the drums and national anthems reverberate across the Noordeinde. The more than 200-year-old credentials ceremony is a recurring spectacle that visitors can now discover more about in the new showcase exhibition ‘Royal Traditions in View: Credentials'.

To the left of the front of Noordeinde Palace, at Noordeinde number 64, you will find a shop showcase, where royal traditions take centre stage. The first showcase exhibition opened six months ago on the theme of Prinsjesdag. A second exhibition, on display from now on, is about the credentials ceremony.

George Washington
In the showcase, the Royal Collections exhibit special objects. Among other things, you can now see a replica of the credential letter that the first US president George Washington gave to hereditary stadholder William V in the late 18th century. He opens his letter with ‘Very good friend’ and ends with ‘your good friend’, emphasising the warm relationship.

The showcase also contains a uniform of an aide-de-camp to the king who accompanies the embassy team during the ceremony and represents the armed forces. The uniform can be recognised by the golden braid over the right shoulder. Flags represent all countries with an embassy in the Netherlands. In addition, two large photos visualise key moments of the ceremony; the arrival by carriage and the presentation of credentials.

The credentials ceremony
After the appointment of a new ambassador, the presentation of credentials marks an important moment. It shows good cooperation between the Netherlands and the diplomat's country. The new ambassador presents the king with two letters, the first stating that the previous envoy has been recalled and the second authorising the new ambassador.

From the square in front of Noordeinde Palace, the ambassador's arrival by carriage at Noordeinde Palace can be seen. After four obeisances of honour, the national anthem of the new ambassador's country sounds. The brand-new diplomat then enters the palace to meet the king and present his credentials. The ceremony takes place about once a month on a Wednesday morning. The next ceremony dates are: March 26, April 9, April 23, May 28 and June 18.

Royal Collections
The credentials come from the collection of the Royal Collections. On behalf of the king, the Royal Collections manage the private heritage of the House of Orange-Nassau. The collections range from personal objects to gifts received and from old photographs and books to important historical documents. This year marks the institution's 200th anniversary: in 1825, King William I decided that the management of the Orange documents should be carried out in a professional manner.