Black hat

It's Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day) in The Netherlands today, it's not the official opening of the new Parliamentary year, but it is the day the Dutch government presents their budget for the coming parliamentary year. The main ideas behind the budget and the government's policy are incorporated in a speech written by the Prime Minister with the Cabinet but spoken by the ruling monarch, in this case the new Dutch King, Willem Alexander. It's basically the only day in the year that there is some Royal pomp and ceremony, for example the King and his queen travel to and from the Ridderzaal in the special Gouden Koets (Golden Carriage). Many female members of Parliament will wear hats for this occasion.

I'm Dutch but living in Belgium and like a true netizen I watched this online, certainly because it was such a special occasion. First time for King Willem-Alexander (who can only add some personal notes at the start and used this to thank his mother). He did quite well but the things he had to say were not exactly good news. Tax rises, cuts on health care, budgeting on money wherever it's possible and getting more money from people who are already in a difficult position. Hence my black hat (whisper: not that I have a choice in colour, it is the only posh hat I have, legacy from my grandmother)