Queen Beatrix will be leaving the monarchy after 33 years of holding this title. She had become the head of state when her mother, Queen Juliana, had abdicated her thrown back in 1980.
Queen Beatrix's husband died in 2002. They have three (3) sons and eight (8) grandchildren. Tragically, last February Queen Beatrix's second son, Prince Frisco, was hit by an avalanche while skiing in Austria. Today he remains in a coma.
Prince Willem-Alexander is married to his wife Maxima who is expected to be given the title of Queen Maxima. They have three (3) daughters. Upon the abdication when Prince Willem-Alexander becomes King, his eldest daughter (Catharina-Amalia, 9 years old) will then become the next in line to the Dutch throne.
QUEEN BEATRIX and PRINCE WILLEM-ALEXANDER
