Inauguration of the Dutch monarch

Upon his or her accession to the throne, the new Dutch monarch undergoes an inauguration ceremony as required by the constitution.

The ceremony is taken as a joint session of the two houses of the States General, and is held at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam.

[1] An inauguration is strictly ceremonial as the successor to the throne accedes instantly when the previous one dies or abdicates.

After the signing, the new monarch proceeds from the palace to the Nieuwe Kerk, where the States General of the Netherlands and the cabinet along with guests of honour have assembled for the inauguration.

Two other regalia–the sword of state and the standard of the kingdom bearing the coat of arms of the Netherlands–are carried by two senior military officers.

I swear (promise) to the people of the Kingdom that I shall constantly preserve and uphold the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Constitution.I swear (promise) that I shall defend and preserve the independence and the territory of the Kingdom to the best of my ability, that I shall protect the freedom and rights of all Dutch citizens and residents, and that I shall employ all means placed at my disposal by the law to preserve and promote prosperity, as a good king should do.So help me God!

)[4]Following this, the names of members of the States General are called out, who then stand and swear or affirm this declaration in turn.

The other heralds proceed outside the church to Dam Square where they also announce to the wider public that the monarch has been inaugurated, and also cry "Long live the King!"

A special Royal Distinction not indicating any formal rank was created to allow the monarch to show his commitment to the armed forces.