Every September, The Hague becomes the center of Dutch royal pageantry. The city hosts Royal September, a ten-day program leading to Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day), when the monarch rides in a golden carriage to deliver the annual speech from the Binnenhof. For visitors, this is a rare chance to see the royal family up close, enjoy free cultural events, and explore the city's regal architecture.
Before you plan your trip, note that the exact dates for the next edition have not yet been officially confirmed by the organizers beyond the historical pattern of the third Tuesday in September. For example, the 2025 event ran from September 6–16, with the main procession on September 16. Always check the official tourism site before booking, as details can change.
This guide draws on past editions and organizer announcements to help you understand what to expect, from the procession route to where to stand. Use it as a planning tool, but verify current schedules and ticket availability with The Hague's official tourism channels. For a broader look at Dutch celebrations, see our festivals in Netherlands overview.
What is Prinsjesdag?
Prinsjesdag, or Prince's Day, is the annual state opening of the Dutch parliament. It occurs on the third Tuesday of September, when the reigning monarch delivers the King's Speech (Troonrede) from the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) at the Binnenhof, outlining government policy for the coming year.
The day is as much a popular spectacle as a political event. In 2019, for instance, the royal family departed Noordeinde Palace around 1 PM in horse-drawn carriages, processing through the city as crowds cheered. The event draws thousands to The Hague, making it a key date for travelers interested in Dutch culture and monarchy.
Royal September: A Ten-Day Celebration
Prinsjesdag is just one highlight of Royal September, a ten-day festival that kicks off the first Saturday of September. In 2025, it ran from September 6–16, with dozens of free activities across the city, including concerts, debates, fashion shows, and open days at historic monuments. The program is designed to engage all ages and is largely free.
One of the festival's core components is the Prinsjesfestival, which in 2025 centered on the theme 'Free together, Strong together: celebrate democracy.' Highlights included live recordings of the PrinsjesBoekenCast, a hat fashion show, and the PrinsjesPoem recital along the Hofvijver, a picturesque pond next to the Binnenhof.
The festival also ties into the Week of the Rule of Law, offering free visits to institutions like the Dutch Parliament and the Council of State. For a detailed schedule, check denhaag.com/royalseptember, but note that organizers update it closer to the event, so plan flexible days around the confirmed dates.
The Royal Carriage Procession: Route and Key Moments
On Prinsjesdag, the procession begins around noon when horses and royal carriages depart from the Royal Stables, heading to Noordeinde Palace where the royals board. From there, at approximately 1 PM, the king and family travel along Kneuterdijk, Lange Voorhout, Lange Houtstraat, and Plein to reach the Binnenhof.
After the monarch delivers the speech at the Ridderzaal, the royal family returns to Noordeinde Palace and appears on the balcony to wave to crowds. This balcony moment is a highlight, but it draws huge crowds, and security is tight along the entire route, so patience and planning are essential.
Best Places to Watch the Procession
Choosing your viewing spot depends on what you want to see. If you love horses and military uniforms, stand across from the Royal Stables; you'll catch the procession's start with minimal crowds, though you may miss the royals themselves. For the best chance to see the king and queen wave, head to Lange Voorhout, a wide boulevard where the carriages pass slowly.
Noordeinde Palace is the most secure location, making it hard to get close, but you'll be there for the departure and balcony appearance. If you prefer not to stand for hours, the official grandstands along the route offer seating for a fee. According to one traveler's 2019 report, tickets cost around €17 and were sold through The Hague tourism office, but check the current organizer's site for updated pricing.
A practical tip: avoid moving between spots once you've chosen. One traveler describes starting at the Royal Stables and then sprinting to Lange Voorhout, only to miss a clear view. Pick a spot that matches your priorities—whether it's the horses, the royals, or a relaxed view—and stay put.
Prinsjesfestival and PrinsjesNach: The Cultural Side
Beyond the procession, Royal September shines through its cultural events. The Prinsjesfestival's main Public Day takes place on the Saturday before Prinsjesdag, featuring a hat market, music, and dance by the Hofvijver, all free. This celebration of democracy often includes the 'Rule of Law Tour,' opening doors to parliament and other institutions.
On the eve of Prinsjesdag, PrinsjesNach transforms the city center into a live music venue. In 2025, this free pub crawl featured nearly 30 venues from 19:00 to 23:00, with genres ranging from jazz to hip-hop, plus a late-night SuperSession. It's a tribute to The Hague's musical heritage and a fun, local way to kick off the big day.
Both events are free, making them accessible even if you aren't attending the procession. The 2025 program noted that the PrinsjesCabaret was the only paid activity, but prices were not published in the sources. For details on future editions, consult the official Royal September page on denhaag.com.
Practical Tips for Attending
Arrive early: secure your viewing spot at least an hour before the procession, especially at popular sites like Lange Voorhout. Security is tight, and roads close, so walking or taking the tram is best; avoid cycling, as bikes become obstacles in the crowds.
Travel light: backpacks and large bags slow your passage through barricades, so bring only essentials in a small bag. Use the toilet before you settle in and limit drinks, since leaving your spot means losing it, and portable toilets may have long queues.
Wear something festive: orange is the color of the Dutch royal family, and many attendees don hats or face paint. As one guide suggests, dressing up adds to the fun and makes you more noticeable to the royals as they pass.
Other Royal Attractions in The Hague
The Hague is a living museum of royal history. Near the procession route, you can explore Noordeinde Palace's gardens (open to the public) and the Royal Stables. The Binnenhof, home to the Ridderzaal, offers guided tours except during political events, so check availability if you want to see the site of the King's Speech.
During Royal September, Open Monument Day regularly opens sites like Kneuterdijk Palace and the King's Cabinet. The Royal Waiting Room at Hollands Spoor railway station also opens to the public on selected days, offering a glimpse of royal travel history. These opportunities require advance booking, so monitor denhaag.com/royalseptember for announcements.
Plan Your Visit
To experience royal celebrations in The Hague, start by confirming the date of Prinsjesdag, which falls on the third Tuesday of September, and the full Royal September program. Book any grandstand tickets or special tours early, as they sell out. Check the official tourism website for the latest schedule and closures.
Whether you're there for the carriage procession, the free concerts, or the historic ambiance, The Hague offers an unforgettable royal experience. Combine your visit with other Dutch celebrations, like King's Day in April, to see the monarchy in different lights. With careful planning, you can enjoy the best of the city's royal traditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prince's Day in the Netherlands?
Prince's Day, or Prinsjesdag, is the annual opening of the Dutch parliament, held on the third Tuesday of September. The monarch rides in a carriage from Noordeinde Palace to the Binnenhof in The Hague, delivers a speech outlining government policy, and then returns to the palace. It is a major public spectacle.
What are the best places to see the royal procession?
The best spots depend on what you want to see. Across from the Royal Stables offers a close view of horses and military uniforms with smaller crowds. Lange Voorhout provides a full view of the procession and a chance to see the royals wave. Noordeinde Palace is most secure but hardest to get close. Grandstands offer seating but require tickets.
When is Prinsjesdag?
Prinsjesdag occurs on the third Tuesday in September each year. For example, in 2019 it was September 17. Always check the official Royal September program for the exact date of the current year, as the event dates are not always confirmed far in advance.
What is Royal September?
Royal September is a ten-day festival in The Hague leading up to Prinsjesdag. It features a variety of cultural events, including the Prinsjesfestival with debates and fashion shows, and PrinsjesNach, a musical pub crawl. Most events are free and open to the public.
How can I get tickets for the grandstands?
However, prices and availability change each year. Check the official denhaag.com/royalseptember website for the latest ticket information and purchase deadlines. Check the organizer's current ticket information for the admission category you need; historical rates are not a current quote.
Are there free events during Royal September?
Yes, the majority of Royal September events are free. This includes the public day of the Prinsjesfestival, PrinsjesNach, and many performances and open days. The main exception is the PrinsjesCabaret, which requires a paid ticket. Confirm details on the official program.
