Article 32: Swearing-in; inauguration of the King
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.
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.
The President of the joint sitting makes a solemn declaration on behalf of the members of the States General and the delegations of the parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The members then confirm their allegiance to the new King by taking an oath or making a 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.