- Title: Dutch King says Netherlands head into "moderate growth" period
- Date: 17th September 2019
- Summary: THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (SEPTEMBER 16, 2019) (REUTERS) MEMBERS OF THE DUTCH CAVALRY HONORARY ESCORT RIDING THROUGH YELLOW SMOKE WITH REGIMENT'S FLAG VARIOUS OF DUTCH CAVALRY HONORARY ESCORT REHEARSING ON THE BEACH AHEAD OF PRINCE'S DAY
- Embargoed: 1st October 2019 16:25
- Keywords: Dutch King Willem-Alexander budget parade carriage Scheveningen beach horse rehearsing
- Location: THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS
- City: THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS
- Country: Netherlands
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment,Budget/Taxation/Revenue,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA007AX1RL1J
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Dutch King Willem-Alexander paraded in the streets of The Hague on Tuesday (September 17) before giving his annual address to parliament.
The address came as Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government released details of its 2020 budget, which featured spending increases on healthcare and housing. The government also confirmed it plans to create a national investment fund next year to take advantage of its ability to borrow at negative rates.
Willem-Alexander said the country was heading into a phase of more moderate growth in the coming years as he was addressing both houses of Parliament gathered in the 13th-century Hall of Knights. The Dutch government estimates it will lose 1.2% of GDP by 2030 if Britain, a key trading partner, leaves the European Union.
The announcement of the budget is part of an enduring tradition in the Netherlands, with the monarchs travelling through town in a horse-drawn carriage and appearing at the balcony of the royal place to salute the crowd after the king's speech.
To ensure the parade goes smoothly, the Dutch military's cavalry regiments practice the day before "Prince's day", riding their horses through smoke flares while gunshots are heard, past marching bands, and in front of cheering crowds. Those riders who can guide their horses through the stressful conditions are selected to form the royal escort.
(Production Esther Verkaik, Hortense de Roffignac) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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