After 123 years: Ceremonial Dutch Golden Coach banned for reasons of discrimination

 In 1898 the Dutch Kingdom welcomed a new queen, Wilhelmina. The citizens of the capital, Amsterdam, gave her a new coach, commonly called 'the golden coach' for its rich decoration. Much of the wooden parts were made by cratfsmen from Jepara. Since 1903 the coach has been used every year at the third Tuesday of September to bring the royal family to parliament for its ceremonial opening and the King's speech. A few years ago it was decided that the coach should receive treatment for some deficiencies. Now it is finished and fine again and could be used for next Tuesday.

However, in relations to the demonstrations under the label of 'Black lives matter' there is a fierce criticism on colonialism again and especially the treatment of native population in the colonies who had to obey and to bow for colonial rulers, here represented by the former queen. Therefore it has now been decided by the government, no longer to use the Golden Coach for ceremonial purposes and to place in in a historical museum. Times are changing, although slowly!