Artikel 33: Minimum age for the exercise of royal authority

Artikel 33

The King shall not exercise the royal prerogative before attaining the age of eighteen.

In andere talen:

English

The King shall not exercise the royal prerogative before attaining the age of eighteen.

Français

Le Roi n'exerce l'autorité royale qu'après avoir atteint l'âge de dix-huit ans.

Deutsch

Der König übt sein Amt erst nach Vollendung des achtzehnten Lebensjahres aus.

Español

El Rey no ejercerá la autoridad real hasta que haya cumplido los dieciocho años de edad.

Explanation

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

An heir to the throne can become king before the age of eighteen, but in that case, he may not yet exercise royal authority. This means that he cannot sign laws and, for example, cannot appoint informateurs during a cabinet formation. All of that is then done by a 'regent', who is appointed pursuant to Article 37.