Artikel 32: Swearing-in; inauguration of the King

Artikel 32

Upon assuming the royal prerogative the King shall be sworn in and inaugurated as soon as possible in the capital city, Amsterdam, at a public and joint session of the two Houses of the States General. The King shall swear or promise allegiance to the Constitution and that he will faithfully discharge his duties. Specific rules shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.

In andere talen:

English

Upon assuming the royal prerogative the King shall be sworn in and inaugurated as soon as possible in the capital city, Amsterdam, at a public and joint session of the two Houses of the States General. The King shall swear or promise allegiance to the Constitution and that he will faithfully discharge his duties. Specific rules shall be laid down by Act of Parliament.

Français

Dès que possible après que le Roi a commencé à exercer l'autorité royale, il prête serment et est installé solennellement en séance publique des États généraux réunis en une seule assemblée dans la capitale, Amsterdam. Il jure ou promet qu'il sera fidèle à la Constitution et s'acquittera fidèlement de sa charge. La loi fixe des règles complémentaires.

Deutsch

Nach seiner Amtsübernahme leistet der König so bald wie möglich seinen Eid, und es wird ihm so bald wie möglich in der Hauptstadt Amsterdam in einer öffentlichen Vollversammlung der Generalstaaten gehuldigt. Er schwört oder gelobt Treue zur Verfassung und die gewissenhafte Ausübung seines Amtes. Das Nähere regelt ein Gesetz.

Español

Una vez que el Rey haya comenzado a ejercer la autoridad real, se le tomará juramento y será proclamado lo antes posible en la capital Amsterdam en una sesión pública y conjunta de los Estados Generales. El Rey jurará o prometerá fidelidad a la Constitución y desempeñar fielmente su cargo. La ley establecerá normas complementarias.

Explanation

Please note: Only the Dutch-language version of the Constitution has legal effect. 

The swearing-in and inauguration of the King takes place in Amsterdam, the capital, during a joint session of the First and Second Chambers. The literal text of this oath or promise is laid down in the Act on the Swearing-in and Inauguration of the King.

On behalf of the members of the Chamber and the Members of the States General from Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, the President of the Joint Session delivers a solemn declaration. Loyalty is sworn or promised to the new King. The members confirm this with an oath or promise.

It is not the case that royal authority commences with this swearing-in and inauguration. That actually begins:

  • immediately after the death of the King (le roi est mort, vive le roi)
  • immediately after abdication
  • in the case of a minor King, upon reaching the age of 18.

In the Netherlands, the King is not crowned.