The Netherlands is a constitutionele monarchie (constitutional monarchy). The monarch is head of state but has a ceremonial role — actual governance rests with the government (kabinet) and parliament (parlement). The current monarch is King Willem-Alexander (born 1967), who ascended the throne in 2013 when his mother Queen Beatrix abdicated (troonsafstand deed). His wife is Queen Máxima (born in Argentina). Their eldest daughter, Princess Amalia, is heir to the throne (kroonprinses).
The House of Orange-Nassau (Huis van Oranje-Nassau) takes its name from the Principality of Orange in France and the Nassau county in Germany. William of Orange (Willem van Oranje, 1533-1584), known as Willem de Zwijger (William the Silent), led the Dutch Revolt against Spain and is considered the father of the Netherlands. The colour oranje (orange) became the Dutch national colour from this lineage — worn with pride at sports events and on Koningsdag.
Royal vocabulary: Zijne Majesteit (His Majesty), Hare Majesteit (Her Majesty), Zijne Koninklijke Hoogheid (His Royal Highness), het paleis (palace — Paleis Noordeinde in The Hague for work, Paleis op de Dam in Amsterdam for ceremonial occasions), de troonrede (the Speech from the Throne — delivered on Prinsjesdag, the third Tuesday of September, opening parliament), Koningsdag (King’s Day — 27 April, the king’s birthday celebration). The Dutch tend to have a warm but non-deferential relationship with their royal family.