Millions of Dutch people dressed in orange flocked to celebrations around the Netherlands Tuesday 30th April 2013, in honour of a once-in-a-generation milestone for the country's ruling House of Orange-Nassau: after a 33-year reign, Queen Beatrix abdicated in favor of her eldest son, Willem-Alexander.
At 46, King Willem-Alexander is the youngest monarch in Europe and the first Dutch king in 123 years, since Willem III died in 1890.Like Beatrix before him, Willem-Alexander has assumed the throne at a time of social strains and economic malaise.
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane on the balcony after the abdication of the former Queen Beatrix. This photograph was taken on 7th May 2013.
This pretty card was sent to me by Dineke.
