My Royal Obsession Part 3

 On January 28th of this year Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands

announced her intention to abdicate her throne in favor of her son Prince Willem-Alexander...it was a shock...I (not knowing the history) thought there must be something wrong with her, why would she step down at the young age of 75 (when you compare her to  Queen Elizabeth II of England she's practically a teenager)? Soon, I learned that this is some what of a tradition that was started by her Grandmother Queen Wilhelmina and continueD with Wilhelmina's daughter (Beatrix's Mom) Juliana. So there really wasn't a hidden agenda just a Queen stepping down because she didn't feel she could continue to give her people the type of attention she felt they deserved. Pass it to the next generation...
  On April 30th she officially abdicated her throne in favor of her eldest son Willem-Alexander. There was a signing of documents in front all the necessary people, and one last balcony appearance before the Queen was once again, a Princess.

  A few hours later the world watched while King Willem-Alexander was sworn in, his lovely bride by his side and his daughters, the oldest now the Crown Princess, and the former Queen watching fonding.

 (okay they all look bored out of their minds, but this is the best photo I could find)

  Willem-Alexander is the first heir of his generation to be crowned King (technically Prince Charles is the same age as most of the reigning European Monarchs so he is NOT in this generation). It was lovely to watch Royal History being made, but sad, because now as King and Queen, WA and Maxima, will no longer go to the same type of events the did as they did as Crown Prince and Princess. It was always a treat to see the CP's and spouse's together at events throughout the year

The first time this was very apparent was at the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden (Victoria's younger sister). All of the heirs were there, except Charles...he doesn't go to those. But as WA and Maxima are now monarchs they did not attend. Which sucks, cause it looked like a great party!