Tags
Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands., President of the Council of State, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, The Council of State, The Princess of Orange
Today, December 8, 2021, HRH The Princess of Orange, who turned 18 yesterday, has been introduced as a member of the Council of State by her father HM the King of the Netherlands.
The Council of State is part of the The Dutch Constituttion and it requires the heir apparent to become a member upon reaching the age of 18.
Queen Máxima (who is a member of the Council is State as well) was in attendance as well.
The Princess made her first official speech during yesterday’s important meeting of the Council of State.
The Council of State is a constitutionally established advisory body in the Netherlands to the government and States General that officially consists of members of the royal family and Crown-appointed members generally having political, commercial, diplomatic or military experience. The Dutch monarch is the President of the Council of State. It was founded in 1531, making it one of the world’s oldest still-functioning state organisations.
The Council of State must be consulted by the cabinet on proposed legislation before a law is submitted to parliament. The Council of State Administrative Law division also serves as one of the four highest courts of appeal in administrative matters. Although the King is President of the Council of State he seldom chairs meetings.
The Vice-President of the Council of State chairs meetings in his absence and is the de facto major personality of the institution. Under Dutch constitutional law, the Vice-President of the Council is acting head of state when there is no monarch such as if the royal family were to become extinct.