02:13

The film tackles a special (and extreme) example of political ostentation and ritual in the Netherlands: ‘Prinsjesdag’, the day on which the monarch presents the governmental policies for the forthcoming year to the collective Dutch parliament. The pompous rituals around this special day are exposed and reduced to their very essence by means of canny editing. Majesty compares two so-called ‘Throne speeches’ with each other: those of 1997 and 2008. Are there actually any essential differences – apart from Queen Beatrix’s new hat and perhaps the newly designed upholstery on her throne? The government will work hard and cherish hope. The people are expected to behave like good citizens. And the ministers, who are present, diligently join in the ceremonial cheers, but are actually more interested in their own appearance and cuff links.