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By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent reporting from Terschelling, Netherlands
TERSCHELLING, NETHERLANDS (BosNewsLife)– Tens of thousands of people crammed shoulder-to-shoulder outside crammed shoulder-to-shoulder outside the royal palace in Amsterdam where Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicated on Tuesday after a 33-year sometimes turbulent reign, handing over to her eldest son.
“Some moments ago I resigned from the throne. I am happy and thankful to introduce to you, your new king, King Willem-Allexander,” she said.e royal palace in Amsterdam where Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicated on Tuesday after a 33-year sometimes turbulent reign, handing over to her eldest son.
Before the ceremony she told her subjects that her 46-year-old son is “ready in every way” to assume the largely ceremonial monarchy, which has lost the political influence it once wielded in the meditation of coalition governments.
Willem-Alexander spoke to the crowds after becoming Europe’s youngest monarch. “Today you abdicated after 33 years of moving years for we are intensely grateful,” he told his mother, speaking from the palace balcony, accompanied by his Argentine-born wife, Maxima, 41, and Beatrix.
SOME PROTEST
Not everyone agreed. There were some isolated incidents when police briefly detained republican demonstrators, but later apoligized. And some legislators refused to pledge their allegiance to the new king.
Yet opinion polls show the monarchy remains popular with nearly four out of five Dutch people supporting the institute.
Celebrations were also held in northern netherlands including on the island of Terschelling where local postman Rommert Ruijg, 56, believes a new era will begin under King Willem-Alexander.
“He is more simple. You don’t have to say your majesty,” he said. “We can say Willem, or Maxima. That’s what we want.”
Before taking his oath, King Willem-Alexander told legislators Tuesday that while his political influence may be limited he will take his responsibility to help move the Kingdom of the Netherlands through times of joy and sorrow.
(BosNewsLife’s NEWS WATCH is a regular look at key general news developments from especially, but not limited to, (former) Communist countries and other autocratic states impacting the Church and/or other compassionate professionals).
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