Long live the Queen!

On that picture you can see the golden coach of Queen Beatrix leaving the Binnenhof (which houses the Dutch parliament), and passing by the Mauritshuis, after she read "the Speech from the Throne" that outlines the government’s plans for the coming year. Next to her was Princess Maxima; she was cheerfully acclaimed by all schoolgirls standing next to me (children in The Hague are free from school so they might watch the procession). Next year though I'll buy a ticket in advance for a seat in the grandstands lining the route so that I can make better pictures.....

Training day

This morning a military rehearsal took place on the beach to prepare men and horses for tomorrow's march to celebrate Prinsjesdag. It will mark the official opening of the Dutch Parliament. Here a member of the "Trompetterkorps", walking in the rain at the end of the exercise.