Monday 28 January 2013

Our World Tuesday, The Netherlands,

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to abdicate for son

Queen Beatrix and Prince Willem-Alexander 
A few minutes ago our Queen announced that  she will abdicate in favour of her son, the crown - prince Willem-Alexander.
The inauguration and abdication will take place on our national holiday:  Queen's Day , 30th April.
This year we will also celebrate the fact that the kingdom of the Netherlands exists 200 years.The queen made the announcement in pre-recorded address broadcast on Dutch television.
The queen, who is approaching her 75th birthday, said she had been thinking about this moment for several years.
She said the responsibility of being the monarch had not been too great, but now was "the moment to lay down my crown".
Queen Beatrix has been head of state since 1980, when her mother, Queen Juliana, abdicated.

Queen Beatrix is the sixth monarch from the House of Orange-Nassau, which has ruled the Netherlands since the early 19th Century.

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14 comments:

Sylvia K said...

A great post for the day, Wil! Wonderful for your Queen to be able to enjoy life even more now that her son is becoming the country's new leader! Hope you have a great week! Enjoy!

The Weaver of Grass said...

How interesting Wil. I shall now send an e mail to my Dutch friends about this.

Leslie: said...

This is big news, Wil. People wonder whether Queen Elizabeth would step aside for Prince Charles, but no one thinks she will. However, it will be wonderful for your Queen to be able to see her son be crowned! Awesome!

Roger Owen Green said...

Wow! As someone from a once Dutch city, it's a big deal; W-A visited here in 2009.

Jackie said...

This is surprising news and as an American I always find royalty fascinating.

I bet the other Prince William is wondering if his mum will ever pass the crown.

Personally, I don't think so. Thanks for this news. I had not heard it!

TheChieftess said...

Interesting turn of events!!!

Fun60 said...

This news has obviously created lots of discussions here in England but I cannot see that happening here. Queen Elizabeth has taken on that role for life and Charles will only become king on her death.

Unknown said...

Heard at Facebook that the announcement was sudden. Even though I live abroad, I share this moment of deep significance. I'll miss Beatrix's wisdom, but her rest is well deserved! Welcome King Willem Alexander:):)

Anonymous said...

Well - good for her!

eileeninmd said...

Congrats to your Queen Beatrix and to her son! This is big news! Thanks for sharing, have a great day!

genie said...

There is something a bit sad about a reigning monarch abdicating for a younger child. I am sure she is thrilled to have her son carry on in her place, and she is doing it now....when she can enjoy what he is doing. Best wishes to your beautiful country and its new monarch. genie

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I hope he will be as good and popular as his mum.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Best wishes to your country and to the old and the new monarchs. It seems to me like the right thing for her to do! I will look forward to reading about the Ceremony in April!

Dina said...

It is a wise woman who knows when to step down gracefully.