Queen Beatrix Announces Abdication: January 28, 2013

[NGalitzine]

You can watch Queen Beatrix's installation ceremony from 1980 on the Dutch monarchies Youtube channel. The monarch is not crowned but the regalia is on a table at the ceremony. The dress code is similar to the Dutch opening of parliament. No tiaras except for the new Queen.

[ricarda]

Originally Posted by cristine

I think, and that's my opinion, that others monarchs would like to have the same option as Beatrix. Some years of rest after a life of dedication and pression.

As she said in her speech IIUC the reason for abdicating now is not because she wants a rest (or the burden is too heavy) but because she thinks it's the right time for a change of generation.
I have the feeling that abdication was an obligation not an option for Beatrix. I don't think she had the option to stay on the throne until death. Since years people were asking when she would abdicate.
Though perhaps her 2nd sons situation and her wish to support her daugter in law might also be a reason for abdicating now - sooner than I thought (my guess was 2015-2018).

[kornet]

It is a sad day for the Netherlands, another head of state is forced upon us.

[Jacknch]

Here is a translation of the announcement (Google translate, so the English is not exact!): -

"As you all know, I hope in a few days to celebrate my 75th birthday. I am grateful that I have the honor this day in good health to be facing. At the end of this year we will commemorate our country two hundred years ago kingdom, which in our history, a new era dawned. The coincidence of these two special events for me is the inspiration for deciding this year from my office to resign. It seems a good time to take this step, which I already have some year consider, now actually take.
I have always regarded as an exceptional privilege of a large part of my life in the service of our country to adopt and implement under my command to be able to give the kingship. It was Prince Claus me many years to great support.
To this day, this beautiful task given me great satisfaction. It is inspiring themselves with people involved feel, to live with grief and share in times of joy and national pride. I have also been able to experience in the Caribbean parts of our kingdom, where I always much warmth and cordiality have encountered. I come therefore not return because the office too heavy for me to fall, but from the conviction that the responsibility for our country now in the hands of a new generation must lie. It is with the greatest confidence that I am on 30 April this year the kingdom shall hand over to my son, the Prince of Orange. He and Princess Máxima are fully prepared for their future roles. They will serve our country with dedication, faithful to the Constitution and to maintain all their talents own interpretation to the kingship.
I feel strengthened by the thought that the way to my successor does not mean that I say goodbye to you. I hope many of you still often meet. I am deeply grateful to you for the trust you have given me in the many beautiful years in which I could be your queen. "

[Andolini]

Originally Posted by ricarda

As she said in her speech IIUC the reason for abdicating now is not because she wants a rest (or the burden is too heavy) but because she thinks it's the right time for a change of generation.
I have the feeling that abdication was an obligation not an option for Beatrix. I don't think she had the option to stay on the throne until death. Since years people were asking when she would abdicate.
Though perhaps her 2nd sons situation and her wish to support her daugter in law might also be a reason for abdicating now - sooner than I thought (my guess was 2015-2018).

I thought the same about her situation and Friso. I am a mom, and I cannot imagine what Queen Beatrix and Mabel and her girls have been going through.

[Bine221]

Originally Posted by kornet

It is a sad day for the Netherlands, another head of state is forced upon us.

?????
Bye Bine

[Andolini]

Originally Posted by Bine221

?????
Bye Bine

Yes I agree I do not understand that comment either

[Josefine]

How old were W-A when his mother became Queen?

[Empress Merel]

Originally Posted by Dman

Yeah, I know it may be a little hard on Charles, although I think he's enjoying his current role as Prince of Wales. The Queen will most likely continue on until she's not able to go on anymore and then hand things over to Charles or until her passing.

I think everyone would prefer her to hand the throne over to Charles than everyone getting some sad news.

I'm sure he is enjoying it. He's done many great things for charities as the Prince of Wales.
It would be such a double feeling for him. Your mother has just died which is incredibly sad but then this extremely priviliged position is bestowed upon you. Which must be extremely thrilling and daunting at the same time. But the person who raised you and taught you won't be there to help you or guide you.

But I guess that's tradition for every other monarchy that is not Dutch.

And I believe abdicating has always been her wish. As her mother and grandmother have done before her. She will still be able to play an active role in our society but now she has more free time she wants to spend with loved ones.

[Lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by cdm

What will Willem-Alexander's title be?
!

King Willem Alexander. Not King Willem IV apparently.

Originally Posted by EIIR

Well, I suppose those 3 little princesses better get used to seeing a lot less of their parents from now on? How sad for them. I don't see the logic in abdicating when the new monarch's children are still so small. From what I've read previously here, the accepted understanding was that Beatrix would wait until her granddaughters were older.
Every Briton has reason to be thankful that abdication is anathema in the House of Windsor.
.

Actually of all the royal couples I see WA and Maxima being as attentive to their children, as they are now. They don't seem the nanny type. As a Briton I completely disagree with your assessment, I feel sorry for Charles because of the short time he'll have as monarchy, as well as grieving for his mother. Beatrix is still around to grow old with her family, mentor her son and granddaughter.

Originally Posted by kornet

The King of The Netherlands can not bestow titles on anybody he pleases he has to follow the constitution, we are not in a third world country without a written constitution like the UK.

I'll go with Lucien on this, and yes because not having a constitution has done my country so much harm. LOL!

Originally Posted by kornet

It is a sad day for the Netherlands, another head of state is forced upon us.

Did the Dutch vote for their monarchs in the past or have I missed something?

Originally Posted by Josefine

How old were W-A when his mother became Queen?

13

[windsorgirl]

Originally Posted by Josefine

How old were W-A when his mother became Queen?

About 13 as he was born in 1967.

[NGalitzine]

Originally Posted by Josefine

How old were W-A when his mother became Queen?

about 13 years old.

[carlota]

a historical moment indeed!

although i am sad to see beatrix "leave", i am incredibly happy for WA and maxima. i think they will be a fantastic regent couple. i am counting the days to their inauguration which will surely be grand. does anyone know what beatrix's inauguration was like? what kind of events happen?

and of course, i am also looking forward to the next royal meet-up, royalty from all over in the netherlands to celebrate the new king and queen!

i hope the netherlands changes the tradition and allows the queen to remain so.

Originally Posted by kornet

The King of The Netherlands can not bestow titles on anybody he pleases he has to follow the constitution, we are not in a third world country without a written constitution like the UK.

third world country, the UK? excuse me?

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by Lumutqueen

Both Wilhelmina and Juliana were known as Princesses after their abdication.

But it was their won choise. Now it is regulated in the Act of the membership of the Royal House so Beatrix can not decide if she will be known as Princess or not.

[dbarn67]

Here's the link to the story from Reuters



NEWSMAKER-From beer to water, Netherlands gets first king in a century - AlertNet

[Josefine]

Will Amalia be princess of Orange from april 30th

[Viv]

A sad day for the Dutch, the end of an era and yet, the beginning of
a new..! I hope that Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima will
rise to the occasion. I don't know much about the couple, but from what
I can see from my vantage point Maxima is one of the most charming consorts around!
And come to think of it, maybe the Dutch take on abdication isn't such
a bad idea! I'd prefer that to an ailing monarch!

Dear Dutch TRF-members, I hope that congratulations are in order!

All the best
Viv

[kornet]

She will be called that, but it is unconstitutional, only a male heir can be the prince of Orange

[Gertrude86]

Yes she will be. We don't have the title crownprincess in the Netherlands. The title for the heir to the throne is prince of princess of Orange.

[lucien]

Originally Posted by Josefine

How old were W-A when his mother became Queen?

He was 13 in 1980