Newly appointed ambassadors, welcome to the Netherlands - NL Host Nation
Newly appointed ambassadors, welcome to the Netherlands
On 26 June, shortly after their arrival in the Netherlands, His Majesty the King received the new ambassadors of Cyprus, Sri Lanka and Guatemala at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. We were delighted to welcome them.
All new ambassadors present their letters of credence at Noordeinde Palace.
Introducing the new ambassadors:
Cyprus: His Excellency Dr Spyros Attas
Sri Lanka: Ms Thilakamuni Rekha Nisansala Gunasekera
Guatemala: Ms Ana Cristina Rodriguez Pineda
A centuries-old ritual
The presentation of letters of credence to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander is a monthly ritual that has its roots in centuries-old tradition. The ceremony, which usually takes place on a Wednesday, reflects the high level of respect the Netherlands has for relations with foreign dignitaries. It starts with the means of transport – ambassadors travel to Noordeinde Palace by horse-drawn carriage
Accepting letters of credence
A military guard of honour and a military band stand ready to receive the ambassadors. The ambassador then inspects the military guard of honour. Following an honorary salute, the national anthem of each ambassador’s country is played. On 26 June, this included the national anthems of Cyprus, Sri Lanka and Guatemala. The new ambassador officially takes office once they have presented the letters of credence to the His Majesty the King. According to tradition, ambassadors wear either a morning coat or their national costume during this ceremony. New ambassadors take office once His Majesty King Willem-Alexander has received the letters of credence.