New Guidelines Aim for Clarity in Royal Family’s Outside Work
theโค Hague,Netherlands – Prime Minister Dionne Hanselaar Schoof has outlinedโ new guidelines for members of the Dutch Royal House takingโฃ on outside positions,responding to scrutiny sparked by Princess Laurentien‘s involvement with a foundation assisting โfamilies affected by the childcareโข benefits scandal. The move โseeks to clarify the process for royals pursuing work aligned with their “personal interests, talents, education and wishesโข for development,” while ensuring appropriate oversight.
The clarification comes afterโ questions โขfrom โthe Houseโฃ of Representatives regarding Princess Laurentien’s role as chairman of aโฃ foundation supporting parents impacted by the toeslagenaffaire – โขa politically sensitiveโค issue involving wrongly accused parents. Her workโข with the foundation lead to disagreementsโ with Finance Ministryโฃ officialsโ and critical โreports, โultimately resulting in her stepping down from the position in 2023.The incident prompted concerns from multiple political parties, including NSC, SGP, โand VVD, who raised issues ranging from “an inconvenience in โขsociety” to the need for aโฃ future plan to prevent similar situations.
Under the newly defined rules, anyโ member of theโ Royal House seekingโ an outside position must first obtain permission from the relevant minister. Such as, โขwork related to poverty alleviation would require discussion with the Minister of Social Affairs. The ministerโฃ will assess the suitability of the position,compensation,and location.โค Schoof emphasized โthe need for “customization” in applying โฃthese rules.โข
A debate in the House of Representatives โon Tuesday evening will determine whether these guidelines satisfy the concerns of parliamentarians and provide sufficient transparency regarding the outside activities of โขthe Dutch Royal Family.
