Preparing for the role of monarch
Before he succeeded his mother on 30 April 2013, King Willem-Alexander occupied a number of specific posts in a range of areas, reflecting his commitment to Dutch society.
These helped to prepare him for his role as King. He has always been especially interested in certain areas, including water management, infrastructure and ICT, sport and defence.
As Prince of Orange, the King became a member of the Council of State on his 18th birthday. He attended its weekly meetings as often as his diary permitted. On the Queen's abdication on 30 April 2013, the King automatically became the president of the Council of State.
In the years preceding his investiture, the King was also a member of various boards. He was a member of the supervisory boards of De Nederlandsche Bank (the Dutch central bank) from 1998 to 2010 and of the Kröller-Müller Museum from 1999 to 2010. As Prince, the King chaired the House of Orange-Nassau Historic Collections Trust from 2002 to 2013 and in the same period represented the Royal Family on the management board of the Royal Domains.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have for many years held regular informal dinners at Eikenhorst, where they discuss significant subjects with guests from various walks of life in order to broaden and deepen their engagement with society at large. They will continue to do so. They also regularly host lunches for 'high flyers' at Noordeinde Palace at which they entertain Dutch people who have distinguished themselves, and have received an award or decoration for their achievement.
In preparing for his role as monarch, the King has also held numerous patronages and honorary posts in various sections of society.