On Tuesday 19 November the official opening of the exhibition of “The Taste of Soestdijk” took place. Maya Meijer-Bergmans, the owner of Soestdijk welcomed all the guests in the Oranjerie of Soestijk Palace, mentioning that this was the 3rd large exhibition, with reference to the royal family who used to live here and this, she organized together with Nicole Uniquole, the conservator who put the modern elements to this exhibition.
Then Nicole Uniquole took the floor, and thanked Maya Meyer for her great initiative for the exhibition “The Taste of Soestdijk”. Nicole explained that there are three floors to visit starting downstairs with the kitchen of the royal family, then on the ground floor the dining rooms and on the first floor the private rooms with dinnerware and photos of the royal family.
The exhibition “The Taste of Soestdijk” officially opened with the presentation of the cookbook “The Taste of Soestdijk” which was offered to Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, who as a child often came to Paleis Soestdijk to visit her grandparents Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard, and master pastry chef Robèrt van Beckhoven. The cookbooks were handed over by Nicole Uniquole. The cookbook was written by Robèrt van Beckhoven and Nicole Uniqole.
After this Maya Meijer received from Nicole a postage stamp which had been recently issued by the Dutch postal services. The sheet of postage stamps shows Paleis Soestdijk and images of this exhibition. The design of the stamps was created by the graphic designer Marty Schoutsen of Opera Concept & Design, based on an idea by Nicole Uniquole.
Then all the guests headed to the Palace to visit the exhibition.
From 19 November 2025, Paleis Soestdijk has been transformed into a celebration of food, hospitality, and centuries of courtly rituals. In “The Taste of Soestdijk”, visitors embark on a delicious journey through the royal dining culture. Specially for this occasion, Master Pâtissier and Master Baker, and beloved TV personality, Robèrt van Beckhoven presents a series of spectacular creations that showcase his craft at the highest level.
The exhibition takes visitors through 25 palace rooms, including the former central kitchen in the basement. It explores not only the traditions of state banquets, but also the preferences of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard, such as mashed potatoes or meatballs.
Royal kitchen secrets brought to life
For the first time, all historic palace kitchens open simultaneously. Guests discover how the House of Orange cooked, dined, and entertained from lavish state banquets to intimate family meals. The palace rooms feature remarkable objects from the Royal Collections, complemented by contemporary design by Claes Iversen, David Laport, Erwin Olaf, Tess van Zalinge, Ingo Maurer, Nymphenburg, Studio Makkink & Bey, and Hella Jongerius. Specialist in kitchen utensils Oldenhof presents highlights from its private collection, assembled since 1821.
Stories from the inside
Personal memories from the former chef, footman, and sommelier to Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard bring daily life behind the palace walls vividly to life. Their anecdotes offer a rare window onto the etiquette, flavors, and traditions that shaped the royal household.
Hospitality through the ages
Since 1650, generations of residents have left their mark on Soestdijk’s culinary identity: from the gracious style of Catharina Hooft (the first owner of Soestdijk and spouse to the Mayor of Amsterdam, Cornelis de Graeff) and the refined etiquette of Anna Pavlovna and King William II, to the warm, home-style hospitality of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard, with simpler dishes and a more informal approach to entertaining.
Robèrt’s showpieces
Exclusively for the exhibition, Robèrt van Beckhoven created a signature “Taste of Soestdijk” tartlet and reimagines historical desserts once served to Queen Juliana, Queen Anna Pavlovna, Stadtholder William III, and Mary Stuart. Classic recipes are reinvented with a contemporary twist, where tradition meets modern pâtisserie. Major eye-catchers include Robèrt’s monumental chocolate pieces, displayed in a staged court setting: a richly laid table featuring Princess Beatrix’s gold dinner tableware from the Royal Collections, attended by liveried footmen.
Napkin folding objects
Impressive to see, are the napkin folding objects of the Spanish designer Joan Sallas and researcher in historical napkin folding. This is part of a long tradition, as the use of folding linen napkins artistically was already common at European courts in the 17th century. Since there are no instruction books from that time, Sallas relies on old illustrations. He pays attention to every detail to reproduce historical creations of folded napkins as accurately as possible. He reconstructs the Baroque folding base and demonstrates how a series of folds can create, for instance both a cauliflower and a turban. Here, you can admire in his pieces the rhythmic ridges and the compact dome-like structure: technique, humor, and table culture united in one object.
A taste inside the palace
In addition to the grand palace kitchen, visitors can enjoy a daily tasting of treats from Robèrt’s own bakery, each inspired by stories from the palace. It’s a chance to literally taste Soestdijk—right in the authentic setting where meals were once prepared for the House of Orange.
Robèrt van Beckhoven:
“I once created a cake for Princess Beatrix when she celebrated 25 years as Queen. Returning to ‘the court’ for this exhibition truly feels like coming home—and it’s an honour to do so at Paleis Soestdijk.”
From grand dinners for international guests to intimate family meals: this exhibition offers an original look at the kitchen as the beating heart of this royal family home. For the first time, the historic kitchens are opened to the public, giving visitors a glimpse into how the Oranges cooked, ate, and enjoyed good company. The exhibition was partly compiled based on input from Ben Gortworst, former chef of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard.
The exhibition (November 19, 2025 – March 29, 2026) takes visitors on a flavorful journey through culinary traditions and royal dining moments.
For more information, www.paleissoestdijk.nl
Written by Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro