Netherlands: Queen abdicates, handing the throne to her son.
On January 28, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands announced her abdication to hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander.
The BBC reported that in a pre-recorded speech broadcast on television, the Queen said she would officially abdicate on April 30th. Queen Beatrix, who is about to turn 75, said she had been thinking about this moment for several years. She believes now is the time to “set down my crown.”
Queen Beatrix and Crown Prince Willem Alexander - Photo: torontosun.com
Queen Beatrix has been the head of state of the Netherlands since 1980, after her mother abdicated. In a brief speech, the Queen said it was time for the throne to have “a new generation.” Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, 45, is married to Maxima Zorreguieta, a banker from Argentina. They have three children together.
The Crown Prince is a trained pilot and has studied water management. He will become the first king of the Netherlands since Willem III, who died in 1890.
Immediately after the Queen's speech was broadcast on television, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte made comments praising her. "She is in the heart and soul of Dutch society," Rutte said.
Queen Beatrix was the sixth monarch of the Orange-Nassau dynasty, which ruled the Netherlands from the early 19th century. She was very popular, but her abdication was long awaited. Under Dutch law, the monarch has little real power beyond a ceremonial role.
Recent decades have seen a tradition of abdication within the Dutch royal family. Queen Beatrix's mother, Juliana, abdicated in 1980 on her 70th birthday, and her maternal grandmother, Wilhelmina, abdicated in 1948 at the age of 68. Queen Beatrix will turn 75 on January 31st.
Queen Beatrix is considered by many Dutch people to be a true "mother of the nation," with most government buildings and universities proudly displaying her portrait, lavishly and respectfully decorated. She is also one of the most popular monarchs in Europe. Dutch law still includes provisions prohibiting insults against the queen.
According to Tuoi Tre - DT
