Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands gracefully relinquished her throne to her son, King Willem-Alexander, in a historic abdication ceremony held in Amsterdam on April 30, 2013. The revered monarch, aged 75 at the time, signed the instrument of abdication after a remarkable reign spanning 33 years. With this momentous transition, then-Prince Willem-Alexander ascended to become the country’s first king since 1890, marking a pivotal juncture in Dutch royal history. A sea of orange-clad revelers gathered in Amsterdam to honor Queen Beatrix, who steadfastly adhered to a cherished Dutch tradition of passing the torch to a new generation.
Queen Beatrix had announced her intention to step down in January, recognizing her son’s readiness to assume the throne and heralding the dawn of a new era. The formal abdication took place at the Royal Palace, where she solemnly signed a declaration transferring the monarchy to her eldest son in accordance with constitutional protocols. The atmosphere outside the palace was electric, with crowds cheering as Queen Beatrix, King Willem-Alexander, and his wife, Queen Máxima, affixed their signatures to the deed. Shortly after, the trio appeared on a balcony overlooking the square, symbolizing the seamless transition of power and unity within the royal family.
Per BBC, Queen Beatrix told the crowds of well-wishers, “I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new king, Willem-Alexander,” while the new king thanked his mother for “33 moving and interesting years.”
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