Festive Kick-Off: Ten Days of Royal September in The Hague

Chansonnière Tess Merlot, models and a saxophonist launch Royal September on the Hofvijver (Photo: Arnaud Roelofsz)

The Hague – From Saturday, The Hague will celebrate ten days of Royal September with a varied programme for all ages. “By now a fine tradition,” says Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Economic Development. “Nowhere else does royal history feel as alive as it does here in The Hague. The royal allure of our city is unique and always attracts many visitors. On top of that, there are many fascinating activities connected to the theme Celebrate Democracy. With this attractive programme around Prinsjesdag, The Hague is well worth a visit.” This afternoon chansonnière Tess Merlot gave the festive opening performance on the Hofvijver, where, starting 6 September, visitors can take a ride on a swan-shaped pedalo. The full programme of Royal September can be found at denhaag.com/royalseptember.

During Royal September, from 6 to 16 September, the city will be buzzing: there is something happening everywhere. You can float across the Hofvijver in a swan boat, enjoy live music, shop for the most beautiful hats, listen to debates and speeches, visit a fashion show and – of course – line the route or take a seat in the stands for the traditional procession on Prinsjesdag. And there is plenty more to discover, with the Prinsjesfestival en PrinsjesNach as the highlights. . 

Festive opening of Royal September at the Hofvijver (Photo: Arnaud Roelofsz)

Celebrating freedom

This year’s Prinsjesfestival has the theme Together Free, Together Strong; Celebrate Democracy. Highlights include the festive opening, live recordings of the PrinsjesBoekenCast, the PrinsjesOntbijt (Prinsjes Breakfast), the PrinsjesRede speech competition at the Council for the Judiciary, and the big Public Day on Saturday 13 September. On the same day, visitors can also take part in the Tour of the Rule of Law, part of the Week of the Rule of Law, visiting Parliament, the Council of State, the Court of Audit and other Hague institutions. Activities are free of charge (registration required), with the exception of the PrinsjesCabaret at Theater Diligentia.

Local music

On Monday 15 September, starting at 19:00, music will fill nearly 30 venues across the city centre – pubs, clubs and streets alike. The third edition of PrinsjesNach promises a vibrant mix across genres and boundaries: jazz, indie pop, singer-songwriter, world, spoken word, rock, hip hop and even classical. Tess Merlot will perform, Sjaak Bral and Michael Varekamp will present a programme of Hague songs, and Dollhouse Drama – a Hague alternative rock band from the 2000s – will reunite especially for PrinsjesNach. Emerging talent will also take the stage, including néaomi, Chattermag, Dutch Coast, IMBOS and Meyendel. As every year, the night will end with an exuberant SuperSession at De Zwarte Ruiter, this time led by La Maquina.

More Festivities in the City Centre

From Saturday 13 to Tuesday 16 September, festivities will spread through and around the Grote Marktstraat, with events including the Prinsjesfestival hat fashion show, salsa dancing, live performances and stilt acts. After the King’s Speech on Tuesday afternoon, a musical programme will follow. The Noordeinde and the Hofkwartier will also showcase their surprising, unique and royal character. Full details of all activities – including those in the city centre – can be found at denhaag.com/royalseptember.

Historic Monuments

This autumn, the Royal Waiting Room at Hollands Spoor railway station will once again open its doors to the public on selected days, starting during Royal September – a truly special experience! In addition, Open Monument Day will take place on the weekend of 13 and 14 September, offering visits to the King’s Cabinet and Kneuterdijk Palace, among other sites.