Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard

Beatrix: Dutch queen and CEO who retires a princess

Agence France-PresseApril 30, 2013 05:01

The Netherlands' energetic queen Beatrix, who on Tuesday reverted to a princess after abdicating in favour of her son King Willem-Alexander, won many Dutch hearts in her 33 years on the throne by giving the monarchy a modern, hard-working image. Stepping into the shoes of her much-loved mother Juliana in 1980 at the age of 42, Beatrix quickly set out to make her mark on the country she was destined to rule by birth.

Beatrix: a queen who transformed Dutch royalty

Agence France-PresseApril 25, 2013 22:01

The Netherlands' energetic Queen Beatrix, who on Tuesday will abdicate in favour of her son Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, has won many Dutch hearts in her almost 33 years on the throne by giving the monarchy a modern, hard-working image. Stepping into the shoes of her much-loved mother Juliana in 1980 at the age of 42, Beatrix quickly set out to make her mark on the country she was destined to rule by birth.

UPDATE 3-Dutch Queen abdicates, Willem-Alexander to succeed

Thomson ReutersJanuary 28, 2013 13:30

(Adds Queen's quotes, political comment, details) By Anthony Deutsch and Sara Webb AMSTERDAM, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Dutch Queen Beatrix, who turns 75 on Thursday, announced she was abdicating in favour of her son, Prince Willem-Alexander, telling her country it was time to hand the crown to the next generation after more than three decades on the throne. Willem-Alexander, 45, who will be sworn in as king on April 30, is married to Princess Maxima, who comes from Argentina, and has three young children.