King Maintains Protocol for New Ambassadors
THE HAGUE, 09/05/13 - King Willem-Alexander is maintaining his mother’s traditions for the reception of new ambassadors in The Hague.
The king received the credentials of the new ambassadors of Morocco, Abdelouahab Bellouki, and Pakistan, Moazzam Ahmad Khan, in Noordeinde Palace on Wednesday. As with former Queen Beatrix, this was accompanied by some ceremonial. Beatrix reintroduced this after her mother Juliana had limited it. The king puts a gala carriage drawn by two horses at the disposal of every ambassador that present their credentials and, if appropriate, a so-called blue carriage for the embassy staff. Ahead of and behind every cortege ride two Military Police riders in ceremonial uniform. At Noordeinde Palace, a guard of honour and a military band is drawn up. Following a salute by four drum-rolls and the national anthem of the ambassador’s country, the guard of honour is inspected, after which the ambassador and retinue goes inside. On departure, the ambassador is again given four drum-rolls. The dress code for the ambassadors is morning-coat or traditional dress of their country. |