The Netherlands Gets A New Monarch

Prince Willem-Alexander has become His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, following the abdication of his mother, now Princess Beatrix, yesterday morning. The new King’s inauguration ceremony took place in the afternoon.

The day began with the signing of the Act of Abdication at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Here, in the presence of her immediate family and her government, Queen Beatrix officially signed away her sovereign rights in favour of her eldest son. The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima, now King and Queen, also signed the act during the emotion-charged ceremony.

Following the signing, the new King and Queen appeared on the Palace balcony with Princess Beatrix, to the thunderous cheers of the orange-clad crowd. Both the former and present monarchs made brief speeches, with Princess Beatrix stating that “today I leave room for a new generation,” while King Willem-Alexander praised his mother’s 33-year reign. The Dutch national anthem, Wilhelmus, then sounded out over the Dam Square, before the couple’s three daughters – Princesses Catharina-Amalia (now heir to the throne and the first Princess of Orange in her own right), Alexia and Ariane – joined their parents on the balcony clad in matching yellow dresses.

It was then time for an outfit change before the 2pm inauguration ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk. The heirs to the thrones of Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Great Britain, Japan, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Thailand were joined by Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco and Qatar’s Sheikha Mozah for the event, which had a typically Dutch dress code – think Prinsjesdag – long dresses and hats. The Dutch Royal Family were lead into the cathedral by the Princess of Orange, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane, wearing deep blue dresses by Belgian designer Natan.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima then made their way up the blue carpet. The King wore a white-tie tuxedo as opposed to a military uniform after stepping down from his military positions earlier this month and an ermine robe. The Queen wore a custom-made electric blue evening gown designed by Jan Taminiau, featuring a lace bodice. She topped her ensemble off with the stunning Mellerio Sapphire Tiara.

During the hour and a half long ceremony, each member of the Dutch government – besides fourteen who refused to – swore allegiance to the new King. Two versions of the oath were available for use: one which included reference to God, and one which did not. King Willem-Alexander himself then swore an oath, before delivering a heartfelt speech. He addressed his mother, crediting her for her warmth and wisdom, and thanking her on behalf of all Dutch subjects for her service. He then spoke of his own future role, stating that “I will take pride in representing the Kingdom” and that he accepts “office with full conviction.”

A boat cruise through Amsterdam’s canals took place in the evening, with a concert and a reception hosted by Prime Minister Mark Rutte during and afterwards.

After 123 years and three Queens Regent, the Netherlands has a King. Long live the King!

Filed under The Netherlands
Tagged Dutch Abdication 2013, Dutch Inauguration 2013, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, Mellerio Sapphire Tiara, Princess Alexia of the Netherlands, Princess Ariane of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, The Princess of Orange.

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