History
From hunting lodge...
Around
The stadtholders (or vice-regents) hunted here and their widows spent their summers here. In 1795 the family lost possession of the hunting lodge. Under French influence Soestdijk was ‘nationalized’ and even converted into a French barracks
In 1815 the situation changed again. The French had gone, the Netherlands was a kingdom and the crown prince – the later King William II – was given the hunting lodge as a gift for his success in his campaigns again the French.
to summer palace...
The crown prince and his Russian wife, Princess Anna Paulowna, had Soestdijk converted into a real summer palace. Two wings were added and everything was furnished to the taste of the time – in Imperial style.
Even after this time the royal family continued to use the Palace as a summer residence. The Queen Mother Emma was particularly fond of the Palace. In 1928 she received a special present on her 70th birthday: electric lighting at Soestdijk Palace.
to royal residence...
It was not until 1937 that Soestdijk Palace became permanently occupied, when Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard took up residence here after their marriage. The Palace was renovated for the royal pair by the Dutch people as a National Tribute: it was provided with central heating and a comfortable, modern apartment at the rear.
In 1940 the Netherlands was invaded by Germany. Until the liberation in 1945 the princely family lived abroad. Once again Soestdijk Palace accommodated the military, this time German officers.
After the liberation the family returned and in 1948 Princess Juliana succeeded her mother Wilhelmina as queen. Soestdijk Palace thus became the royal residence. Even today it is still remembered how on Queen’s Day the complete royal family viewed the festive parades from the steps.
to…
When in 1980 Princess Beatrix was crowned queen, Soestdijk Palace lost its status as royal residence. Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard continued to reside here until their deaths in 2004.
Since 1971 the Palace has been the property of the state. It is expected to receive a new role and in the meantime is now temporarily opened to the public.