History

The Netherlands' Parliament is seated in The Hague. The State Opening of Parliament traditionally takes place each year on the third Tuesday in September. This day is generally known as: Princes' Day. Escorting mounted processions, including ceremonial escorts, on state occasions, has long been the task of the Cavalry. Before the Second World War, HM the Queen was escorted to the annual State Opening of Parliament by two squadrons of hussars and the mounted band of the Third Half-Regiment of Hussars stationed in The Hague. For a time after the war, the Cavalry did not participate in the Princes' Day ceremonies in The Hague, as it no longer had horses.

At the inauguration of Princess Juliana as Queen in 1948 a mounted escort was formed by officers of the Cavalry, the Horse Artillery, the Mounted Artillery and members of the Amsterdam citizenry. At the wedding of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus in 1966, an escort of honour was formed by officers of the Cavalry. The experience acquired on this occasion showed the desirability of forming an organisation to prepare, support and manage future escorts. Accordingly, the Cavalry Escort of Honour Foundation was formed on 25 November 1966.