By Roy Lie A Tjam. / Photography by Kim Vermaat.
The Expert’s Guide to International Protocol is an outstanding handbook that presents a meticulous overview of the intricacies of international protocol.
The launch took place at the Nieuwspoort International Press Centre in The Hague on 18 April 2016. A few days previously, a sister launch had taken place at the residence of the Dutch Consul General in Chicago. The authors are leaders in their field: Gilbert Monod de Froideville is former Master of Ceremonies to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Director of the consulting company Protocol International, while Mark Verheul he is Head of Protocol at the City of The Hague.
A good number of ambassadors, diplomats, dignitaries, former Dutch diplomats, and family and friends of the authors made their way to the Nieuwspoort to witness the launching of this unique and eagerly anticipated guidebook.
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Mr Monod de Froideville recounted how he and Mr Verheul worked together at the Dutch Royal Household and later at The Royal Hashemite Court in Jordan. The idea of collaborating on a book occurred to them during their time together in Jordan, both felt motivated to respond to the high level of demand for expertise in their field.
Although modern life grows increasingly casual, in many sectors protocol still reigns supreme. An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol offers an overview of its associated practices, including those found within the context of diplomatic relations and the business world.
Featuring a wide range of countries and cultures, the book covers topics like seating arrangements, the history and use of flags, ceremonies, invitations and dress codes, and gifts and decorations. Throughout, influential diplomatic, business and cultural figures share their own experiences with protocol around the world.
After some words of welcome from Master of Ceremonies Mr Cees Wijburg and Dr Saskia Gieling of the book’s publishers, Amsterdam University Press, Messrs Monod de Froideville and Verheul introduced the essence of their work. They also expressed gratitude to all those who had made contributions to the content of the book.
Prof Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, former Secretary-General of NATO, had the honour of being presented with the first copy of An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol.
In his acceptance address, Prof de Hoop Scheffer congratulated the authors and shared with guests some memories from his extensive diplomatic career. He singled out various ladies’ programmes at official visits along with seating arrangements at conferences as examples of international protocol in action.
An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol looks set to become the guidebook of choice for anyone seeking to navigate this complex and delicate domain.
A reception concluded the launching ceremony.
