Koninklijk Paleis

Koninklijk Paleis

The Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) in 's Koningenwaarde, located at Vorstenplein. It is the working palace of King Hendrik V of Batavia.

History

The Palace was built on the Royal Square, which was a central location within the capital. The location was deliberately chosen, because from here the monarchs could easily send ushers to all parts and garrisons of the city. In the event of an imminent uprising, the army could receive an emergency report before an angry mob could reach the Palace complexes.

Many of the building designs came from King Willem I himself.

The first palace complexes date back long before the unification of the Batavian feudal states under Alfons the First during the 12th century. Precise data are unknown and purely up to speculation, but some research points out that the first fundaments of the building date back to the time of King Jan II (the fourth century), who used it to hold splendid parties.

The current complex, for which the old Palace had to make way, was built by order of Willem I in 1256 AN. It would become the centre of power of the absolutist monarchs during the Willemian period. Although already impressive, during the reign of the Knight King Willem II (1305 - 1337), various wings were added and filled with works of art from conquered areas or diplomatic travels. The Golden Hall, which actually consists largely of gold, was financed with the reparations made by the city state of Benacium to the King.

Since 1521 AN this palace has been used both as a residence and working palace of the Kings of Batavia. The throne room became a public space where the crown jewels could be viewed. The throne speech was also delivered here several times. This changed when Roelof van Nederburg carried out a bomb attack in 1548 AN. Luckily, the damage was limited and the hall was reopened in 1551 AN. The crown jewels were moved to the Edelenzaal.

Nowadays King Hendrik V uses this palace as a working palace, while he lives in Blanckenhof Palace.

Important halls

Troonzaal

The Throne Room with the portrait of Arkadius II and the Lion Throne.

The throne room is the central hall within the Palace. It's open to public and housed, till 1551 AN, the regalia of the Batavian Kingdom. These were eventually moved to the Edelenzaal. Under Arkadius IV, the Lion Throne (Leeuwentroon) was taken from the Royal Warehouse, repaired and placed in the hall.

A portrait of King Arkadius II towers over both the throne and hall, where -from time to time - the King welcomes dignitaries.

Edelenzaal

The Room of Nobles served as an important hall during the Second Kingdom. For a number of years, the imposing room housed the noble members of the Hogerhuis, as the NEVO made temporary use of the Paleys van Leopold I. The walls are filled with great art, most of them depicting the adventures of Alfons the Great and his holy crusade towards unifying the Kingdom under his rule.

Ridderzaal

The Hall of Knights is known as the ballroom of the Palace. Ever since Queen Faya's ascension in 1514 AN, important diplomats, nobles and a chosen few among the population are invited to celebrate the national holiday exuberantly.

Gouden Zaal

The Gouden Zaal.

The Golden Hall was constructed to impress. It served as Willem the First his pet project. The walls of the room itself are made of plated gold. Despite its tremendous cost to construct and its huge value, the room remained untouched during Jingdaoese occupation. Ever since 1632 AN, it houses an annual exhibition on jewellery during the summer holidays.

Persruimte

The Press Room served as official channel of the government and King to spread news. Reporters are welcomed to question the government during sessions, after which the press team attempts to give a fulfilling response.

Salon d'Arkadius

The Salon is limited to the King and his guests.