Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands today handed her throne to her son Willem-Alexander in an abdication ceremony at the Dutch royal palace in Amsterdam.
Thousand gathered outside the palace to greet the new King, the first male ruler of the Netherlands in 120 years.
He stood on the balcony of the Royal Palace with his wife Maxima, and their three daughters, Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane.
Queen Beatrix announced her intention to stand down in January after 33 years on the throne, calling for a “new generation” to reign.
This morning, she formally relinquished the throne at a short ceremony in the Royal Palace, signing a statement which read: “I now withdraw from my office of Queen of the Netherlands, and the monarchy will now be transferred to my eldest son, Willem-Alexander.”
The crowds cheered as the signing was broadcast on giant screens. Willem-Alexander, 46, is now king, with his wife Maxima, 41, queen consort.
He was later due to be officially sworn at the Nieuwe Kerk, where he will pledge an oath to uphold the Dutch constitution before a joint session of the Dutch parliament.
Tonight, the royal family will take part in a water pageant along the Ij, Amsterdam’s historic waterfront.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were among royals and high-ranking dignitaries attending the ceremonies.
Meanwhile nearly a million people were expected to join the street party in the city, wearing the royal colour orange and dancing to bands. Like the annual Queen’s Day there was a carnival atmosphere with stalls, bands, DJs and homes emptying their bric-a-brac onto the streets.
“There will be tears on Tuesday,” said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, paying tribute to “this formidable lady who has ruled this country for over 30 years”.
Willem-Alexander, who said he prefers to be addressed by his first name rather than “Your Majesty”, is thought to be a less formal head of state than his mother and has been fondly called “Prince Pils”, a reference to Pilsner beer, because of his partying lifestyle in his youth.
