January 28th, 2013
01:19 PM ET

Netherlands queen to step aside; son will take throne

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has just announced in a recorded statement that she is to abdicate her throne on April 30 – 33 years to the day since she took over from her mother, Juliana, who also abdicated.

The queen will be 75 on Thursday.

Her son, Crown Prince Willem- Alexander will ascend the throne.

The queen's, or king's, position in the Netherlands is largely ceremonial with little real political power.

We'll provide more details as they come in to CNN.

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Filed under: Netherlands • World
soundoff (71 Responses)
  1. lola star

    there are alot of queens in the netherlands

    February 5, 2013 at 12:06 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Big Reggie

    It is good that the queen is stepping down. Now a younger fresher ruler can come into the Kingdom.

    February 5, 2013 at 12:13 pm | Report abuse |
  3. tomorrow

    i hope he invites me to the celebration.

    February 5, 2013 at 12:14 pm | Report abuse |
  4. patricia

    good thing queen is stepping down. i think its good that her son will be taking her place

    February 5, 2013 at 12:20 pm | Report abuse |
  5. John

    This will be a good experience for the son to see what it is like to have the throne. The Queen has probably had a good time but she knows that her son is ready

    February 5, 2013 at 12:20 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Katie Lamber

    I think its good for the sion to take over to see what he can do, and if he can make a difference. the queen should see how the Netherlands can do without her as Queen.

    February 5, 2013 at 12:23 pm | Report abuse |
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