Wow – big news out of the Netherlands today. As you’ve probably heard by now, Queen Beatrix has decided to abdicate in favour of her son Prince Willem-Alexander.
This is something of a tradition in the Netherlands since the Queen’s mother and grandmother both did the same thing .
And this means we will soon have a Queen Maxima on our hands!
Love the picture below. Maxima is being her usual exuberant self and that’s Catharina-Amalia, future Queen of the Netherlands, on the far right beside Queen Beatrix:
I think there is something to be said for this whole abdication thing. Why not hand over the reigns when everyone is healthy and you’re not in mourning? Plus, Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima have been married well over ten years now, which has given them plenty of time to get into the swing of things.
This photograph was taken last week during a State visit to Singapore. See? They have had lots of time for on-the-job training together. And to think that during that whole trip they knew this announcement was just around the corner…
The Royal Family’s official website can be found here with all of the details that have been released so far, so there is no need to recount them verbatim here.
I found it especially interesting to read that the Queen will be moving from Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague to Drakensteyn Castle in Lage Vuursche. This castle is a country home she purchased back in 1959. This is where she lived until she became Queen.
Here is a delightful photo of Beatrix in front of the castle:
Presumably the new King will be taking up residence at Huis ten Bosch Palace Palace
Also, she is not going to be Queen Beatrix the Queen Mother or some such. Oh, no, she’s going back to being a princess. Another tidbit I found interesting was how the abdication means that:
After the abdication, the line of succession will begin with the children of His Majesty the King: Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexia, and Her Royal Highness Princess Ariane. The next in line will be His Royal Highness Prince Constantijn, his children and finally Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet.
After the abdication, the children of Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven will no longer be eligible for the throne. They will also cease to be members of the Royal House.
So, Princess Margriet is the Queen’s youngest sister aand she has four sons. I’d say that the Netherlands know how to a) abdicate with grace and b) keep things under control in terms of a too big, bursting at the seams royal family. Way to go.
What do you reckon Charles is thinking over in England?
If you’re in the mood for more, here are our top two posts on the family:
- Our post all about Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, future Queen of the Netherlands, can be found here.
- Princess Maxima’s oh so patriotic engagement ring can be found here.
Categories: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Royal Family of the Netherlands
The Royal Post 
I THINK QUEEN ELIZABETH NEEDS TO THINK ABOUT DOING THE SAME, AT LEAST AFTER SHE HAS SURPASSED QUEEN VICTORIA’S REIGN IN TIME. PRINCE CHARLES NEEDS TO TAKE OVER.
Ah, that picture of Charles is just perfect, he looks like Droopy Dog!
I actually think he might be fine with his mom running things as long as possible.
The queen will never abdicate. The royal families in both countries view their roles and positions differently.. Charles has said in past interviews that he is content being PoW since it allows him the freedom to express his views. He knows that his mother will reign until death, as will he.
When are you going to update? It’s been almost 3 months!
We’re back! Thank you for your patience 🙂
Why haven’t you guys updated in FOREVER!?!?!
Alas life got in the way. Hoping to be getting back to a more regular schedule again. Thanks for coming by to visit!