Willem-Alexander Succeeds Mother Beatrix to Become New Dutch King

Princess Maxima, Queen Beatrix, and Crown Prince Willem-Alexander at the Queen's farewell dinner on April 29. Photo by royalty.nu

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicated on Tuesday, handing over to her eldest son, Willem-Alexander.

An estimated 25,000 well-wishers cheered outside the Royal Palace in Amsterdam as the abdication and automatic succession were broadcast live.

Willem Alexander has now become the first Dutch king since Willem III died in 1890.

The new king’s wife becomes Queen Maxima and their eldest daughter, Catharina-Amalia, becomes Princess Orange and first in line to the throne.

Willem-Alexander,46, was educated in Wales and Holland, where he earned a history degree at Leiden University. He served in the Dutch Royal Navy from 1985 to 1987.

 

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