The Dutch monarchy has its own tradition, since 1948, that sets them apart from other royal houses in Europe -- abdication. The tradition started with Queen Wilhelmina and inherited by her daughter, Queen Juliana in 1980 and now her granddaughter, Queen Beatrix.
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands reigned for 33 years
The current Dutch Queen announced her irrevocable abdication plan through a television broadcast last January 28. Her son, Wilhelm-Alexander, the Prince of Orange, who would become King William IV on April 30, 2013 will be the first King of the Netherlands in more than 100 years since King William III.
The Prince of Orange has three daughters with his wife, Maxima. Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane. Amalia will be the first Princess of Orange in Netherlands and would assume the title "The Hereditary Princess of Orange" after her father will be crowned as King.
Prince Wilhelm-Alexander and his wife Maxima
After the abdication, Queen Beatrix will be known as Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau. The Dutch royal family suffered a private pain over a year ago when the Queen's second son, Prince Friso, was severely wounded when he was badly hit by the avalanche during a skiing trip in Lech, Austria, he is still in a coma until now and will most likely miss the coronation of his brother.
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