Golden Coach (Netherlands)

The Golden Coach (Dutch: Gouden Koets) is a state coach used by the Dutch monarch. Built in 1898 by the brothers Spijker in Amsterdam, it was commissioned by the Dutch people as a gift to Queen Wilhelmina and presented to her on her inauguration day, September 6, 1898.

The coach is primarily used for ceremonial occasions, most notably the annual opening of Parliament (Prinsjesdag), where the monarch travels from Noordeinde Palace to the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) at the Binnenhof in The Hague to deliver the Speech from the Throne. It has also been used for royal weddings and other significant state events.

The coach's exterior is adorned with gold leaf and features numerous allegorical paintings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Dutch history and culture. Prominent features include the side panels, which depict tributes from the Dutch colonies, and the rear panel, known as the "Tribute of the Colonies," which has been the subject of controversy due to its depiction of Black individuals in subservient positions.

In January 2022, King Willem-Alexander announced that the Golden Coach would not be used again until the Netherlands had come to terms with its colonial past. This decision followed years of debate regarding the symbolism of the coach and its connection to Dutch colonial history. The coach is currently on display at the Amsterdam Museum while discussions continue about its future role. The current state coach used in its stead is the Glass Coach.