Royal Highlights

Can I visit the Palace Garden?

Yes you can! A royal The Hague naturally also includes a royal garden. Hidden between Noordeinde Palace, the Royal Stables and the Royal Archives is the Palace Garden. Open to the public, but unknown to the general public. A stroll along the flower lawns, ponds and old trees gives you a taste of the atmosphere of long ago, the time of princes and princesses.

History Palace Garden

Frederik Hendrik, son of William of Orange, had the Palace Garden laid out at the beginning of the seventeenth century for his mother, Louise de Coligny. The park was then called the 'Princess Garden' and was full of romantic flower beds, ponds and fountains and marble statues.

The Ridderzaal on the Binnenhof

The Ridderzaal on the Binnenhof was built in the Middle Ages (13th century). Originally as a party palace for the count's court. This expressed status. It is part of the oldest buildings of the Binnenhof and therefore of The Hague. It was built in Gothic style, a style that you don't see much of in the city. The Ridderzaal is now better known as a hall where the Speech from the Throne is read by the king and where Olympic athletes receive their royal decoration.

The Binnenhof is currently undergoing renovation. Nevertheless, it will remain an appealing and inspiring attraction because you can follow the renovation closely. During the renovation, all kinds of activities and events will take place around the Binnenhof. 

Enjoy a special view

Enjoy a unique view of the Binnenhof and The Hague city centre from a height of 28 metres from the Binnenhof viewpoint! On the top platform, you have a unique 360-degree view at a height of 28 metres. A panorama that stretches from the Binnenhof to the modern urban developments. An ideal place for 

The Royal Waiting Room at Hollands Spoor station

When the royal family arrives at the station, they enter through the entrance at Stationsplein. The Royal Waiting Room is located in the left-hand part of the station building, and extends along the platform. The entrance to the Royal Waiting Room consists of a large staircase with terrazzo floors and three stained glass windows. In the windows are personifications of the cities of the HIJSM: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague.

The Royal Stables

In the Royal Stables in The Hague are several carriages of the Royal House. Also here are the horses that pull the carriages. The Royal Stables belong to the Noordeinde Palace. The special stables in eclectic style were designed in the 19th century by H.P. Bird. The Royal Stables are occasionally opened to the public in the summer.

Huis ten Bosch Palace: the royal family's residence

Huis ten Bosch Palace was built in 1645 as a summer residence for Stadtholder Prince Frederik Hendrik and his wife Princess Amalia. After the invasion of the French in 1795, the house became a national property and several members of the royal family have lived here. After the palace was severely damaged during the Second World War, it has been completely renovated. Until 2014 Huis ten Bosch was the residence of Queen Beatrix. Since January 2019, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and their three daughters have lived in Huis ten Bosch Palace.

Kneuterdijk Palace

Kneuterdijk Palace is without doubt one of the most unknown gems in the historic city center of The Hague. You walk right past it. Designed in 1717 by the famous French architect Daniël Marot, the city palace was given a royal touch in 1816 with the residence of William II and his wife Anna Pavlovna. King Willem III also lived there and Princess Juliana held office there. Today, the Council of State is housed in the former city palace, and musical performances are regularly given in the beautiful Gothic Hall.

Royal traditions in focus – Letters of credence

As a new ambassador arrives at Noordeinde Palace, national anthems echo across the square while the military honour guard presents a salute. During the ceremony, the ambassador hands over two letters to the King, officially confirming the diplomatic ties between the two nations. This impressive ritual, which takes place approximately once a month, can partly be observed from the square and is now further explored in the showcase exhibition Royal Traditions in Focus: Letters of Credence at Noordeinde 64.

Purveyors to the Court

In 1814, King William I was the first to grant the title purveyor to the royal household. Court suppliers were originally companies that supplied the court. That requirement later expired. Also deserving companies that had no connection with the Court could now become suppliers to the court. However, they had to exist for at least 100 years. It will come as no surprise that The Hague had and still has a relatively large number of suppliers to the Royal Court. Here's a selection:

• Eduard Pelger B.V.
  Hoogstraat 16
• Visverwerking Jac. den Dulk & Zonen B.V.
  Vissershavenweg 27
• Postzegelhandel G. Keiser & Zoon B.V.
  Passage 25-27
• André Kerstens B.V. wijnkoper
  Kazernestraat 112
• P.W. Akkerman B.V. vulpenspecialist
  Passage 15
• Steltman Juweliers
  Plaats 26
• Slagerij Dungelmann B.V
  Hoogstraat 34
• Drogisterij G. J. R. van der Gaag en Zoon
  Dagelijkse Groenmarkt 27
• Bloemisten Alpina B.V.
  Kneuterdijk 9
• Boekhandel De Vries Van Stockum
  Passage 11 Den Haag