Photo: The Royal House
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands announced her abdication, in line with the traditions of her grandmother, Queen Wilhelmina, and mother, Queen Juliana.
On January 28 the widowed Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands announced that she would abdicate on April 30.
Unlike England, in the Netherlands a ruler’s abdication is cause for honors and celebration. The Netherlands will glory in the 33-year reign of their Queen Beatrix. The queen is the third in a line of female monarchs who abdicated in favor of the heir: Queen Wilhelmina, Queen Juliana, and Queen Beatrix.
It seems humane to allow a dutiful monarch to stand down at age 75, and pass the scepter to a well-trained, well-liked child. This time it will be King Willem-Alexander (put a tiara on him and you’d think he was Queen Bea). Not that he’ll be able to wrangle any tiaras away from his charmingly jewel-oriented consort, Maxima.
Political issues aside, let the world rejoice in young Queen-to-be Maxima who will play the role with brio. Don't let this subdued, official portrait of Maxima fool you.
She makes a splash, and with full access to the significant royal jewel vaults, we can expect blindingly good things.
Unlike the demure Duchess of Cambridge (who hasn’t appeared publicly in a tiara since her wedding day) Maxima follows the “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” motto for royal occasions.
Sparkle ahead, Netherlands! The world will have a new Queen to sell magazines.
All photos: The Royal House.
