5 royal places in The Hague

Kneuterdijk Palace breathes Dutch history: it was home to William II and Anna Paulowna, in 1848 the Dutch Constitution was signed here, and after WWII Dutch war criminals were tried on its premises. The early 18th-century palace is now occupied by the Council of State. Free concerts are held in its Gothic Hall.

To this day, Dutch royalty comes with horses and carriages. And these 19th-century stables are where they reside. Only during three weeks in summer, the Golden Coach, the Glass Coach and other carriages that are still being used on formal occasions, are on display when the Royal Stables open their doors to the public.

This palace, tucked away in the Haagse Bos, is the residence of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima and their daughters. It was originally built in 1645 as a summer palace for Stadholder Frederik Hendrik. Since then, it has often been occupied by members of the royal family.

Ever since the widow of Prince William of Orange moved in in 1566, on and off Oranges have lived at Noordeinde Palace, and extensive alterations have been made. Since 1984, the palace has functioned as the working palace of the Dutch monarchs. Therefore, the palace can only be visited during three weeks in summer.

The Kloosterkerk dates back to the late Middle Ages. In the 16th century, the catholic church turned protestant and prince Maurits of Orange chose it as his congregation. The special relationship between the Kloosterkerk and the royal family still exists today.