Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to Abdicate

In an address to the nation Queen Beatrix announced she is abdicating the Dutch Throne in favour of her son Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange. The Act of Abdication will be signed on the 30th of April 2013. Prince Willem-Alexander will become the first male Monarch in a 123 Years. Prince Willem-Alexander’s Daughter Princess Catharina-Amalia will become the first Princess of Orange in her own right and one day will inherit the Throne herself. The idea of Dutch Monarchs abdicating is not a new one both Queen Beatrix’s Mother Queen Juliana and Grandmother Queen Wilhelmina abdicated so their heirs could inherit the throne.