It is the end of a historical era.

Just in time for her big 75th birthday on Thursday, Queen Beatrix is granting herself an early wish by announcing plans to abdicate from the throne in a Dutch TV broadcast on Monday. After 40 years in the position, she will be retiring and handing over all monarch duties to her son, Crown Prince William Alexander.

William-Alexander, 45, will be the nation’s first king in more than a century. The married father of three will be the first king since Willem III who died in 1890.

The Netherlands is a constituency monarchy, which reduced the role of the Royal’s in the government. Queen Beatrix's role was one of formality.

The mark of “Bea’s” (as she is affectionately called by her loyal subjects) reign had been expected for some time now, but she said it is time for her to step down so that a new generation can lead.

“Responsibility for our country must now lie in the hands of a new generation”, she said from her Huis ten Bosch palace. “I am deeply grateful for the great faith you have shown in me in the many years that I can be you Queen”, she said.

William-Alexander is married to Princess Maxima Zorriguieta, who will become Queen. The two married under tense strain and disapproval because Zorrieguieta’s father was an agricultural minister in the military under the reign of Argentine President Jorge Rafael Videla. Queen Beatrix’s mother, Queen Julianna ruled for 31 years before she abdicated on her 70th birthday. Prior to both, Queen Wilhelmina, mother of Julianna abdicated when she was 68.