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The Netherlands

Princess Beatrix undergoes knee surgery

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands had knee surgery yesterday in the Franciscus/Vlietland Hospital in Schiedam. During the surgery a prosthesis was inserted in the right knee. The surgeons were doctor M.J.M Driessen en doctor S. Breugem. Doctor Driessen also performed surgery on Princess Beatrix’s left knee in 2005. It was the same procedure that was done today on the right knee.

The doctors have stated that the operation was a success. Princess Beatrix will remain in the hospital for a few days. She will return home later to start rehabilitation. Her Majesty Queen Máxima will replace Princess Beatrix on an engagement that was planned for Tuesday. She will attend the opening of the European medical convention for the elderly in Rotterdam on 4 October.

Formerly known as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrix abdicated in favour of her son King Willem-Alexander in 2013. She and her late husband, Prince Claus, had three sons. Their second son, Prince Friso, died a year and a half after being buried in an avalanche of complications relating to the accident. Prince Claus died in 2002 after a long illness. Princess Beatrix has not had many health problems. In addition to her knee problems she had cataracts in both eyes, for which she underwent procedures in 2011 and 2015. In 2013 she had an unfortunate fall during which she broke her cheekbone, for which she also underwent surgery. The former Queen is currently 78 years old and is grandmother to eight grandchildren.

She currently lives Drakensteyn Castle near the village of Lage Vuursche, near where Prince Friso is buried. Though she has abdicated, she still performs engagements on behalf of her son, the King. She was present for Prinsjesdag, though she watched the procession with the glass coach from the balcony of the Mauritshuis and she did not attend the speech from the throne.