In the Netherlands the King is an integral part of the Government, as article 42 of the Constitution reads: The Government comprises of The King and the ministers. The King is inviolable, the ministers are responsible. Due to changed legislations and modernization, it is no longer allowed that a militair in service is part of the Government. The idea behind this: the Government is the supreme authority, also over the armed forces.
The Prince of Orange has laid down all his military commissions. As an ex-militair he remains entitled to wear his uniforms for (ceremonial) occasions. Unique is also that the King will not have a military rank. The idea behind this: the King does not become commander in chief. As a member of Government he can not have a military function. He is The King. Not an admiral. Not a general. Just: The King.
Now the firm Koninklijke Begeer (also creator of some royal jewels) has created distinctives for the King, to wear on his uniforms. It are three items from the regalia: the orb, the sceptre and the sword-of-state together. From a distance it also looks like an intertwined W and A. The King will wear these distinctives during the Investiture on April 30th.
on April 10, 2013, 10:04 am
