When Will Charles Be King? Sans Queen Beatrix ...

So earlier on today, Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands (who turns 75 on 31st January) announced to her people that she is officially abdicating the throne. Her last official day of business is 29th April, her oldest son, 45 year old Prince Willem-Alexander, The Prince of Orange will ascend on 30th April. She has graciously decided to assume the role of Queen Mother. What a surprise!

This will be a new era as The Netherlands' last King was Willem III who died in 1890 thus paving the way for his daughter Queen Wilhelmina who reigned for 48 years; his grand daughter Queen Juliana for 32 and his great-grand daughter Queen Beatrix for 33. Each Regnant deliberately abdicated in favor of her heir.

The coronation of the new Majesties on 30th April will indeed mark for a beautiful sight steeped in rich Dutch culture. It will be interesting to see how Maxima, (who became Crown Princess in 2002) will relate to her very close European counterparts (Letizia of Spain, Mary of Denmark, Charlene of Monaco, Stephanie of Luxembourg, Sophie of Liechtenstein, Marie-Chantal of Greece, etc) after becoming Queen Consort in a relatively short space of time.

Since British monarchs literally believe that it is their God-given right/inheritance/anointing/calling to ride and die on the job, Queen Elizabeth's heir, 64 year old Crown Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, will simply have to bite his lip and wait his turn as he recalls his 21 years of seniority on Willem-Alexander. Absolutely, Charles will have to bow to the new King.

Any guesses on how old Prince Charles (who was merely 3 when his then 25 year old mother became Queen) will be when he ascends? Meanwhile, it is worth noting that come April 30th, 9 year old Princess Catarina-Amalia will be the new heir to the throne of The Netherlands. Given her nation's history, she can expect to ascend at a reasonable age..... Please don't hold your breath Rule-Britannia-Brits!