For two hundred years kings and queens have reigned over the Netherlands. We have had a lot of Willems, as you can see:
Today our Queen Beatrix announced her retirement on April 30, 2013. She will step back after thirty three years, leaving the throne to her first-born son.
So finally a new king will step up to the throne – after 123 years of queens – King Willem-Alexander and his Queen Máxima.
Queen Beatrix celebrates her 75th birthday on January 31st. A very special date for me. Not because of the Queen, but because of my mother. Mom – exactly one year the Queen’s senior – will celebrate her 76th birthday this Thursday. And to me that is more special than any Royal House happening!
Figments of a DuTchess 