Protocol

When can I hang out the Dutch flag?

If you want to fly the Dutch flag, you can follow the flag instruction days (the flag protocol). This isn’t mandatory; you can also fly the flag on other days. Flying the flag is mandatory for government buildings.

Flag instruction

The Prime Minister has issued a flag instruction regarding the display of the flag from government buildings. This instruction describes the use of a flag on specific days. This flag instruction also applies to local governments. There is a distinction between “extended flag display” (UV) and “limited flag display” (BV).

Difference between limited and extended flags

With the extensive display of flags, the flag is flown from all government buildings, as is customary on King’s Day. With a limited display, the flag only needs to be flown from the main buildings of the ministries and institutions such as:

  • the Chambers of the States General;
  • the Council of State;
  • the Court of Audit;
  • the National Ombudsman;
  • the King’s Cabinet;
  • the Supreme Court of the Netherlands.

Days flag instruction

The flag instruction stipulates that the Dutch flag must be flown on government buildings on the days listed below. If the days fall on a Sunday or Christian holiday, the date in parentheses applies.

  • January 31 (February 1): Birthday of Princess Beatrix (BV);
  • April 27 (April 26): King’s Day, King Willem-Alexander’s birthday (UV);
  • May 4: Remembrance Day, flags at half-mast, from 6 p.m. to sunset (UV);
  • May 5: Liberation Day (UV);
  • May 17 (May 18): Queen Máxima’s birthday (BV);
  • last Saturday in June: Veterans Day (UV);
  • August 15 (August 16): Formal end of World War II (WW);
  • third Tuesday of September: Prince’s Day (only in The Hague) (UV);
  • December 7 (December 8): Birthday of Princess Catharina-Amalia (BV);
  • December 15 (December 16): Kingdom Day (BV).

Hanging out and hoisting the flag

A raised flag must never touch the ground or obstruct traffic, even when flying at half-mast. The flagpole must therefore be of a suitable length. Flags may not be flown or left flying between sunset and sunrise. The flag may remain flying if the colors are clearly visible.

The flag at half-mast

If the flag is to fly at half-mast, it is first raised to its full height. Then, the flag is lowered slowly and stately until the center of the flag is halfway to its normal height. The flag rope is then tied. The flag is not tied. When lowering a flag at half-mast, it is first raised slowly and stately to its full height. Then, the flag is lowered in the same manner.

The Dutch flag

The Dutch flag is the symbol of the unity and independence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The flag must always occupy the place of honor when used on Dutch territory. There are no regulations regarding its dimensions. However, the ratio of length to width must be 3:2. The colors are bright vermilion, bright white, and cobalt blue. Decorative decorations are not permitted on the flag.

Orange pennant and special events

On King’s Day and on birthdays of members of the Royal Family, the flag is flown with an orange pennant. On all other occasions, the flag is flown without an orange pennant. For special occasions within the Royal Family (such as births, marriages, or deaths), special flag instructions may be issued. During official visits by foreign heads of state, the flag is only flown in the locations being visited.

Multiple flags

If two or more flags are being flown, they must be the same size and hang at the same height. With two flags, the place of honor is on the right, counting with your back to the flags. With three flags, the Dutch flag must hang in the center. If the provincial and municipal flags are to be displayed next to the Dutch flag, the arrangement is: municipal flag on the left, Dutch flag in the center, provincial flag on the right. Only if it is a municipal matter should the municipal flag be on the right. If flags of other countries are being flown next to the Dutch flag, the first letter of the country names in French determines the order.

Flags on princesses’ birthday

There is no need to fly the flag on Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane’s birthday. They are not included in the flag instructions. This is because they are not next in line to the throne, after King Willem-Alexander. Princess Amalia is, however. Her name is therefore included in the flag instructions.