Prinsjesdag 2026: the state opening in The Hague

Prinsjesdag, the ceremonial opening of the Dutch parliamentary year, falls on Tuesday 15 September 2026 in The Hague, following the fixed rule of the third Tuesday of September. King Willem-Alexander delivers the troonrede, the speech from the throne, and the government presents the Miljoenennota and the national budget to the Tweede Kamer the same day.

Why it matters

The troonrede sets out the government’s plans for the year ahead, and the budget documents put numbers under them, which makes Prinsjesdag the most consequential fixed date in Dutch politics. It is also a full ceremonial occasion: the Ministry of Defence confirms detachments from the navy, army, air force and Marechaussee take part, and the royal procession draws crowds along the route.

Since 2022 the troonrede has been delivered in the Koninklijke Schouwburg rather than the Ridderzaal, because the Binnenhof is being renovated. The Hague’s official calendar lists the Schouwburg again for 2026.

What happens on the day

The Hague’s official visitor calendar lists the standard pattern for 15 September 2026: the coach leaves the Royal Stables around 12:45, the procession departs from Noordeinde Palace at 13:00 and arrives at the Koninklijke Schouwburg around 13:15 for the troonrede, the return follows around 13:50, and the royal family appears on the palace balcony at about 14:00. The route runs Noordeinde, Heulstraat, Kneuterdijk, Lange Voorhout and Korte Voorhout, with the Lange Voorhout named as the best viewing spot. Treat the times as the standard annual pattern: the municipality’s traffic notice for 2026 had not been published at the time of checking.

Practical information

Prinsjesdag is not an official public holiday: it is absent from the government’s list, so it is a normal working and shopping day. The municipality publishes road closures and public transport diversions for the day closer to the date; the city centre around the route is best avoided by car in the early afternoon.

Common questions

Is Prinsjesdag a day off?

No. It is not an official public holiday; shops, schools and offices run as normal.

Where does the King deliver the troonrede?

In the Koninklijke Schouwburg in The Hague, the venue used since 2022 while the Binnenhof is renovated.

What time is the procession?

The city’s calendar lists the procession from 13:00, with the balcony scene at about 14:00. Times follow the standard annual pattern and are confirmed by the municipality nearer the date.

Where can I watch the procession?

Along the route from Noordeinde via Heulstraat, Kneuterdijk and Lange Voorhout to the Korte Voorhout. The city names the Lange Voorhout as the best viewing location.

What is presented to parliament?

The Miljoenennota and the Rijksbegroting, the government’s budget for 2027, are presented to the Tweede Kamer on Prinsjesdag.