When Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands officially abdicates on April 30, she will end a 33-year reign that is viewed as one of the most successful in Dutch history. But it is also marred with personal tragedy.
In 2002, Beatrix lost her companion and consort, Prince Claus, whom she had married 38 years earlier. Claus had been battling Parkinson’s Disease and had previously dealt with cancer and…
The 75-year-old Monarch announced her intended abdication in January and since then preparations have been underway to prepare for Prince Willem-Alexander’s accession as King.
When he accedes, Willem-Alexander will become Europe’s youngest Monarch at the age of…
Prince Willem-Alexander, in an interview with Dutch TV has spoken about his desire to serve his people and has even spoken about being happy to work with the government in reducing his constitutional powers to that of a purely ceremonial Monarch.
He and his wife, Princess…
On 30th April, Queen’s Day in the Netherlands, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands will officially abdicate from the throne and will be immediately succeeded by her son and the Prince of Orange, Prince Willem-Alexander.
On the 29th April, at 8 o’clock in…
