Queen Beatrix's Last Day Before Willem-Alexander Becomes First Dutch King in 120 Years on April 30
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands made headlines earlier this year when she announced that she would be abdicating her throne to make way for her son to take over as King.
Today is the final day for Queen Beatrix to reign on the throne after 33 long years as the country's monarch.
On the morning of April 30, Beatrix will hand over her throne to her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, who will become the first Dutch King in over 120 years.
Willem-Alexander, 45, is a married father of three and 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. Beatrix became Queen in 1980 after her mother, Queen Juliana, abdicated.
"I have always considered it as an extraordinary privilege to be able to put a big part of my life at the service of our country and in accordance with my task to add substance to my kingship," said Beatrix. "Until today, this beautiful task has given me a lot of satisfaction. It is inspiring to feel close to people, to sympathize in grievances and share times of joy and national pride.
"It is with great confidence, that on April 30 this year I will pass my kingship to my son, the Prince of Orange. He and Princess Maxima are fully prepared for their future task. They will serve our country with devotion, faithfully serve the constitution, and with all their talents give substance to their kingship."
Willem-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.
