Royal The Hague, The Hague

Huis Ten Bosch is a palace situated at the southeastern end of the city wood Haagse Bos. It was built in the 17th century. You won't see a lot of it as there are many security installations. Anyway, you can enjoy some time walking in the Haagse Bos and at least see where Queen Beatrix lives.

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Paleis Noordeinde was built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 17th century. It was the residence of many royals, including Louis de Coligny, Prince Maurits and King Willem I. Today, it is the office building of Queen Beatrix, but she doesn't live there anymore (For that, see Huis ten Bosch). In fornt of the building, you will find another sculpture of Willem de Zwijger.

Plein 1813 is the center of a former complex which was the residence of Willem I. The monument, which dominates the square, was built in the 19th century to remember the end of the french occupation in 1813.

Today, the area is surrounded by ebassy buildings and villas, but the monument and the square are still impressive.

I was suprised when i came in but on Dutch TV the Hall looks very big and when you enter you realise that they actually film with wide angle lenses from a stand just opposite the throne. Also the way people are positioned makes the long hall much bigger than it in fact it. On TV it looks like the long sides are actually the sides that make up the front and the back of the building.. Still it was much fun to finally be there and see the hall for myself..

This is the quadrangle "Square 1813" (Plein 1813), dominated by some large statues and, the largest 19th century monument in Holland. This beautiful Monument of Independence, commemorating the re-establishment of the realm of The Netherlands, after the French occupation, was unveiled on 17th November 1869 and on the same day the name Willemspark was changed to Plein 1813.

Plein 1813 used to be part of the "Willemspark" (once some fields), designed by Crown Prince Willem Frederik, the later King Willem II, the great-great grandfather of Queen Beatrix. The 4 quarters on this oval-shaped square arose around the intersection Alexanderstraat - Sophialaan. To me this area is upmost photogenic to make some great pics, included the fashionable ones ...

The Royal Palace "Noordeinde" is one of many palaces in The Hague. It was build in 1533 and belonged to the "Orange" family (the Royal Family of the Netherlands) since 1584. It has been the home of different kings and queens between for ages.

Here Queen Beatrix usually works "from nine-to-five" (watch the flag, when she is in). Adjacent to the palace are the palace garden (open to the public) and the "Royal Stables'" (see furtheron). With royal events the square is over crowded with people ...

Just for one day the cities in the Netherlands celebrate the Queens-day on April 30. On that day people in Amsterdam started to offer for sale all sorts of gewgaws, like a fancy-fair. Soon you could buy all kind of things, with bottom-prices.

The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht followed its example and for now you can find open free-market stalls in the street all over the Netherlands. Living right in the center of The Hague "our" street belongs to the very visited and viewed places ... It's crowded, festive, and funny. Funny because you cannot reach your home by car ...

Note: ... see the orange-coloured people, using orange in their clothes (it's the color of the royal family!)

When you're going for a walk to the Royal Palace Noordeinde, center of The Hague, you could visit the Royal Gardens & Royal Stables just behind the Palace (open to public between sunrise and sunset). These Royal Gardens aren't that spectacular, though it could be a nice walk in the park ... (see my brother recently March 2005 within a snowy Royal Garden area)

Head for the Prinsestraat, a narrow street with a lot of shops and restaurants. The Prinsestraat will change into the Prinsessewal with on your right hand side the entrance to the Royal Gardens.

If you proceeds your walk and turn to the right you will notice an historic building with an arched entrance and a large wall with windows: this complex contains the Royal Stables. If you're lucky you may see the beautiful royal horses going for an outing ...