Abdication of HM Queen Beatrix on april 30th 2013

[Lucien]

I can't wait to watch it, if it's on youtube!

Willem-Alexander and Maxima, i'm certain will do a good job.

You will find it here too Jen:

http://nos.nl/koningshuis/

As well as several others stations that I will post by the day as I don't know 'm all yet,but over 50 TV stations from around the globe,including 2 from
Japan that will cover directly,will have a space somewhere here and will air on it.

Dutch NOS TV will air 18 hours of april 30th starting at 090.00AM till 23.00PM while Radio 1 is on for 27 non-stop hours
1000 Journalist from really all over the globe will report and are acredited for the ceremonies. There are 25 camera's in the church alone
plus one hanging right under the roof,a camrail,as to really get every angle from the church and guests,and the King and Queen ofcourse,
during the ceremonies.Over the Dam Square there's a cable of 300 meters with a camera as to get the details from the balcony appearance by,the then Princess Beatrix,who will present her son as the new King,and then immediatly followed by the three Princesses,Catharina-Amalia- who will be known as HRH The Princess of Orange as hse is the Heir-,Alexia and Ariane
who will make their first official ( balcony-) appearance.

On the interview two days ago.A question on a ceremonial Monarchy,W-A answered that if Parliament would decide,and all it takes according to the Law and Constitution was in place,he would have no trouble as to sign a Bill accordingly;? That's why I'm the King,to stand above all that,and to sign what is legal and just. " And even cutting ribbons can be of worth,can have a full impact,as it will be me who decides which ribbon i would cut,by that choice it points at the value.

And on Queensday,that ofcourse will be named Kingsday as of next year april 27th,HM birthday,but W- A decided not to change the way it has been done the past 33 years,so all of the Royal family will take part as usual,so all the Kings cousins will be out and about as well as always.

Meanwhile Princess Beatrix's agenda is getting full again too as she will remain a working member of the RF and one of the three,next to the Monarch and Queen Máxima,who will get an apanage from the State.As you know none of the others have one,an allowance from the State,they all studied and all are very successfull in their own right.

On the teaser that said W-A before the interview was aired and W-A said that he wasn't a protocol fetisjist,the context is this:' I'm not a protocol fetisjist,people should address me in the way they feel most at ease".....That was "translated" by the BBC as "Don't call me Majesty says Prince"...Nah..he didn't say that,there is a nuance...a rather large one at it...grin..  

[Lucien]

TRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have confirmed their attendance.
Good,it will Charles's 2nd Inauguration here and Camilla's first major Royal event to attend
abroad.

TRH Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and his sister Princess Sirindhorn will be in attendance on april 30th.
It will be the 2nd time Princess Sirindhorn will attend an Inauguration here because she,like Prince Charles,was here in 1980 too.

TRH Heriditary Grandduke Guillaume and Heriditary Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg will represent their country
and family during the ( pre-) Abdication and Enthronement events in Amsterdam.

TRH Crown Prince Al- Muthadeh Billah and Princess Sarah of Brunei will be in attendance  as well.

[Lucien]

Updates on the forthcoming events and ceremonies±

http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news/


http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/abdication-and-investiture/

[Lucien]

Updates on the forthcoming events and ceremonies±

http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news/


http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/abdication-and-investiture/

The Throne chairs used during the Enthronement are from a set given to HM Queen Wilhelmina by the City of Amsterdam on occasion of her wedding with Grand Duke Hebdrik of Mecklenburg Schwerin in 1901.The Chairs have been re-upholstered in gold Italian silk damast for the Enthronement as the original fabric proofed too frail.

The two Chairs as well as the Regalia and the Royal Mantle can be seen at Het Loo Palace as of May 7th.

The four gilded silk chenil velvet ceremonial chairs on which TRH Princess Beatrix,The Princess of Orange and her two sisters Princesses Alexia and Ariane will be seated are from the set in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace,Amsterdam

There's been an significant increase from bookings with destinattion Amsterdam from all over the globe,especially the US ( 31% increase-),
for the april 30th events here in Amsterdam.Most visitors stay 3 days according to a hotel survey..All rooms are booked except a few on the outskirts..like over an hour away..

Meanwhile Amsterdam is getting in the festive mood more and more,like here where department store De Bijenkorf is Crowned:

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1514133

Dutch National Railways,NS,introduced its Kings train yesterday for scheduled use since today!

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1513223

Braekfast is ready!!..Well...almost,as these have to get delivered to schools nationwide as 1.35 Million pupils at elementary schools
and their teachers will start april 26th with a healthy breakfast ahead of the start of the nationwide Kings Games tomorrow.

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1512769

HM Queen Beatrix on her last scheduled event in her Reign,the opening of the exhibition on the Huygens brothers at the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague where she opened a door leading into a berautifull copy of the Orange Hall at Huis ten Bosch Palace.Feeling blue.

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1512765

It's not that Beatrix as Princess will disappear from the radar,no way!Her itinerary for may and after is getting full again too,starting with her attendance in the company of Their Majesties on the Liberation Day concert on the Amstel River here on the eve of May 5th.

The Kings company of the 11th Batallion Grenadiers rehearsing:

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1512768

[Joyann1]

Thought I share this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjqf5F7PPGw

Beautiful song that deserves all the media-attention instead of that preposterous 'Koningslied'. The rap part in the song makes me cringe, it's embarrassing to say the least.

[Lucien]

Thought I share this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjqf5F7PPGw

Beautiful song that deserves all the media-attention instead of that preposterous 'Koningslied'. The rap part in the song makes me cringe, it's embarrassing to say the least.

Oh this absolutely is the very Best of all songs Joyann for the occasion,Brigitte Kaandorp captured it all didn't she!!Beautifull!!

[Lucien]

The City gets more and more in a festive mood,the sunny weather certainly plays a role in that too...The healthy tension for the ceremonies
is building up in a most positive way,everybody is just excited.There's joy...another nice side effect of an Abdication,no-one has to die first,no mourning for the former Monarch,just joy and anticipation of what is to come.Have been in the city all afternoon,was privileged to see the flower arrangements in the church and was blown away!Absolutely drop dead beautifull!The pergola nears completion under which the MP's,the Senate,the Court and the King and Queen will walk to and fro the Church.

The guestlist was released a short while ago:

http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news/

[Lucien]

And also speculation is rife with what Queen Máxima will use for a diadem on tuesday.
It is old,it hasn't been seen for a long time,it was thoroughly adjusted,the jeweller had
a lot and long work on it to bring the proportions back to a more wearable size...
Hold your breath...

Tonight HM Queen Beatrix will host the Gala dinner at the Honours Gallery of the Rijksmuseum
presided over by Rembrandt's nightwatch,a venue of sorts indeed.

Most Royal guests and members of representations of other missions have arrived meanwhile,
among them TIH Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan who arrived at
Amsterdam Schiphol International yesterday and checked-in at the Okura Hotel here.It is the
first visit abroad by the Crown Princess since 7 years.

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1519114

Courtesy Koen van Weel

[gillian]

I don't know a great deal about Queen Beatrix or the Dutch royal family, embarrassing since I have Dutch ancestry. I know Queen Beatrix has had a rough time recently and I was sad to hear about Prince Friso, I still hope he'll still make some sort of recovery, she deserves a more relaxed role at this point. However I'm excited, this will be the first coronation I'll be able to remember, and it'll be interesting to see how Willem-Alexander and Maxima handle their new role, they'll be among the youngest reigning royals.

I'm also happy that Crown Princess Masako will be coming, I feel for her struggle with depression having struggled with it myself. I hope this trip means she's doing better and starting a happier phase in her life. Article

[Lucien]

The day of days arrived,quite early and calm outside but that will change soon enough.

Yesterday saw the arrival of the Queen and TRH at the Palace and the church for rehearsals.
The three young Princesses were part of that too...so much so that Amalia took the opportunit
to sit on what is her fathers Throne chair for today.Two chairs of a set given to Queen Wilhelmina
and re-upholstered with old delicate fabrics embroidered with the Dutch Lions.

Last preparations on the Dam Square and the flower arrangements in-and outside the Nieuwe Kerk,dazzling..

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1519919

Guests arriving at the Amstel Hotel and The Okura:

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1519926

TIH The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan,Naruhito and Masako,and Lalla Salma of Morocco,spouse of King Mohammed:

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1519115

The arrival of,still,the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima and their girls,Amalia,Alexia and Ariane at the Royal Palace:

http://www.ppe-agency.com/show.php?zoektype=2&search=29-04-2013%20Inhuldiging

While The Netherlands colour Orange....

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1519931

..The Royal Family prepares and leaves for the Gala dinner at the Rijksmuseum hosted by HM Queen Beatrix:

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1519936

..Princess Máxima diamond pendant is another historic stone that sees the light of day since the Princess arrived here
12 years ago...and was in various degrees mistaken last night for the Holland Diamond,but this one is the center stone
of the devant de corsage presented to the young Queen Emma in 1879 by the Dutch people..still,breathtakingly beautifull.

The Arrival of the Dutch Royals and their Royal guests and representatives of other missions at the Rijksmuseum last night,
with the exception of CP Masako,Sheika Mozah and Princess Charlene,Masako and Mozah will be in attendance this afternoon,

http://www.ppe-agency.com/show.php?zoektype=2&search=29-04-2013%20Rijksmuseum

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520253

And the tables were set in the Honour Gallery with all the top pieces of the Rijksmuseum on view,presided over by Rembrandt's
most famous work,the Nightwatch:

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520256

During the start of the dinner a pre-recorded message by HM Queen Beatrix was aired that had a huge impact in terms
of the different subjects she touched in it,one being ;"History will proof that my choice of Husband,Prince Claus,was the
best of all my decisions"and she emphasized her confidence in her son and Heir and in"Máxima  and her big heart,which
we in the family consider a Blessing".She,as she herself was told by her mother,and her mother by hers,she told her
son to do it his way.

After 123 years with a woman as Monarch,Queen-Regent Emma,Queen Wilhelmina,Queen Juliana and Queen Beatrix,
it will be the first King since 1890 that will be our Monarch.And it is with the full confidence that he is accepted as such
this afternoon during a joint session of the States General,Dutch Parliament at the Nieuwe Kerk whoms Guest he will be
and in which ceremony he will speech and then take the Oath,followed by the Oath of Allegiance to the new King by the Chair
of the combined session of the States General and each member including ofcourse the Members and Governors of the Dutch Caribbean.

The program for today:

http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news/


For LIVE coverage please look here:

http://nos.nl/koningshuis/

http://www.youtube.com/noskoningshuis/

Dutch national tv:

http://www.nos.nl

German national TV Ard

http://www.ard.de/

Belgian Ëén.be


http://www.een.be/

[historyfan]

The City gets more and more in a festive mood,the sunny weather certainly plays a role in that too...The healthy tension for the ceremonies
is building up in a most positive way,everybody is just excited.There's joy...another nice side effect of an Abdication,no-one has to die first,no mourning for the former Monarch,just joy and anticipation of what is to come.Have been in the city all afternoon,was privileged to see the flower arrangements in the church and was blown away!Absolutely drop dead beautifull!The pergola nears completion under which the MP's,the Senate,the Court and the King and Queen will walk to and fro the Church.

The guestlist was released a short while ago:

http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news/

I have a cousin who lives in Amsterdam. He said the city is just beautiful right now. I was concerned I would miss all the fun (I am going at the end of June) but he says not, since there are still plenty of festivities surrounding the 400th anniversary of the Canals.

Still...it must be a wonderful place to be right now.

[Lucien]

The City gets more and more in a festive mood,the sunny weather certainly plays a role in that too...The healthy tension for the ceremonies
is building up in a most positive way,everybody is just excited.There's joy...another nice side effect of an Abdication,no-one has to die first,no mourning for the former Monarch,just joy and anticipation of what is to come.Have been in the city all afternoon,was privileged to see the flower arrangements in the church and was blown away!Absolutely drop dead beautifull!The pergola nears completion under which the MP's,the Senate,the Court and the King and Queen will walk to and fro the Church.

The guestlist was released a short while ago:

http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news/

I have a cousin who lives in Amsterdam. He said the city is just beautiful right now. I was concerned I would miss all the fun (I am going at the end of June) but he says not, since there are still plenty of festivities surrounding the 400th anniversary of the Canals.

Still...it must be a wonderful place to be right now.

Oh it darn well is!!Such a friendly and joyfull atmosphere all around..Hundreds of people stayed over at the Dam Square to be in the front row later this morning and afternoon.The city,the country coloured Orange all around and thousands celebrate what is called the "Konininginnenacht" the party night
on the eve of Queensday.

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520259

Yesterday at Het Loo Palace;

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520258

[Lucien]

Some more from last nights dinner,courtesy Robin Utrecht!

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520257&flush=1

Courtesy Robin

[Lucien]

Some more from last nights dinner,courtesy Robin Utrecht!

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520257&flush=1

Courtesy Robin

Royal Palace Amsterdam this morning,Queen Beatrix signed the Act of Abdication and with her signature
The Prince of Orange became HM King Willem-Alexander.

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520913

Then it was signed by the new Monarch and Queen Máxima and the government ministers:

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520261

A very moved Princess Beatrix and King & Queen appeared on the balcony soon after,Very touched and emotional by the
very loud cheers of the thousands of people that have gathered there today outside on the Dam Square.

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520917

Then Princess Beatrix stepped back in the Palace and the three young Princesses appeared,The Princess of Orange and
her two sisters Princesses Alexia and Ariane:

http://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp?eventid=1520917


http://www.ppe-agency.com/show.php?zoektype=2&search=30-04-2013%20Balcony

[Lucien]

By now the first guests arrive at the Nieuwe Kerk where the Inauguration of King Willem-Alexander will begin in
little over two hours.

By 13.30PM local time the MP's will walk from the Palace to the church,followed shortly after by the foreign Royal Guests and representatives of other missions like fe the Vice-President of Argentina,Queen Máxima's country of origin.At 13.50PM TRH Princess Beatrix,the Princesses Amalia,Alexia and Ariane as well as all other Members of the Dutch Royal Family will walk to the church from the Palace which really is next door.

At two exactly the cortege of Courtiers and TM proceeded by the Pillow with the Consttitution and the Sword of State will walk the short distance underneath a pergola covered with fishermans nets...a reminder of the day that Prince Willem landed on the beach at Scheveningen/The Hague in 1813 after the French occupation and the actual founding of the Kingdom of The Netherlands under the House of Orange Nassau.A House that served The Netherlands already since the 16th century as Willem I,Patria Patriae revolted against Spanish rule and the The Republic of the Seven United Provinces was created,with Willem and his sons and offspring remained Stadtholders untill the French occupied us.We were the sole Republic amidst Monarchies at the time...Now it's almost the other way around...grin..

The King will be the guest of the States General in a combined session of the Houses of Parliament,the Second Chamber and the Senate
and,after his speech,will Swear the Oath on the Constitution.After that the Chair of the States General will read aloud the formula in which the Monarch is accepted as the countries King and will also swaer the Oath of Allegiance to the King,as will all MP's will do after him.
Once all have Sworn,or Promised.Allegiance to the new Monarch,they Inauguration will be shouted out aloud by the Herauts der Wapenen both
inside the church as well as outside on the Dam Square.The Herauts choosen by Willem-Alexander are General Peter van Uhm,former Chief of the Dutch Forces,and André Kuiper,Dutch astronaut who returned from a six month trip to the space station ISS last year.After the declaration of the Inauguration TM will return to the Palace for the reception.Later in the evening thers'festive program and Gala ball.