Dutch Monarchy

Broadcast live on April 30, 2013, beginning at:

3am New York
Midnight Los Angeles
8am London
9am Amsterdam

The Dutch Queen will turn 75 this week, and has made an announcement that she plans to abdicate in favor of her son on 30 April 2013. Her speech is below, followed by an English translation.

Select "read more" for the translation.

As Queen Beatrix plans to abdicate in just a few short months, there will be many changes taking place behind the scenes, in order to prepare for a new King.

Titles
On the same day that the Queen abdicates, His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange will become King Willem-Alexander, and Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands will become Queen Máxima. As soon as the Prince of Orange ascends the throne, his eldest child, Her Royal Highness Princess Catharina-Amalia, will be the first in line to the throne. She will then become the Princess of Orange. After abdicating, Queen Beatrix will be called Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.

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Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of The Netherlands has been voted as the 'coolest Princess in Europe' - her charming personality, great sense of fun and adventure and her brilliant sense of humour, all these together with her regal style make her Royal Insight's choice for coolest Princess in Europe.