After 33 years of assured rule, the beloved Queen Beatrix abdicates as the Netherland’s head of state and her subjects are rejoicing over her forward-thinking notion. More conservative monarchies might perceive her decision to step down from the throne an abnegation of duty. But this is not how the Dutch see things.
Handing the reins of power to a young leader to preside over a young generation demonstrates a selfless sacrifice befitting the Queen’s career-long demeanour as a popular monarch aware of popular sentiment.
The youthful dynamism of Prince Willem-Alexander isn’t the only reason the Dutch are optimistic about the changing of the guard. He completed his compulsory military term in the Royal Netherlands Navy. And besides playing a huge role in water management in the country, he plays an important societal role via the endowment foundation Oranje Fonds, which supports social initiatives. The next Queen Consort, Argentinean-born Princess Maxima, has also won the kingdom’s hearts and minds with her vivacious nature, and the Dutch assiduously claim her as their own.
On the day Prince Willem-Alexander ascends the throne and becomes the first king of the Netherlands since 1890, Dutch expats tell GN Focus about their modern monarch.
Nicole de Kort, 34, Product manager
“Having had four queens in a row, we feel Willem-Alexander becoming the first King of the Netherlands in modern times is going to be a tremendous change. And the charming Maxima will become a role model for Dutch women; she is a wonderful-looking princess.
“She adds a lot of her spontaneous attitude to Willem-Alexander and quite often she surprises people to show up somewhere completely unexpected to make her point.”
Charlotte Gast, 35, Children’s social trainer
“First I have to get used to the fact that the Netherlands will have a king and not a queen any more. I think Prince Willem-Alexander’s knowledge of water management will have a great impact on the Dutch export market on the different trade missions they embark on.
“Behind every great man there’s a great woman — and Maxima is that. She will make sure that the king and queen retain their humanity.”
Fatima Al Maliki, 23, Social media manager
“Prince and soon to be King Willem-Alexander has the reputation of being a cool dude in the Netherlands: someone who’s not cold or stiff, as royalty can be. He will face challenges in the Netherlands when the people don’t quite put their trust in the cabinet.
“Princess Maxima will do just fine as a queen; everyone loved her from the moment she was introduced to the Dutch. She’s Latina and dares to be different. They are an interesting couple to have as the new couple reigning over the Netherlands.
“I wonder how the first King’s Day will be next year. No doubt that it will be gezellig, as the Dutch like to describe cosy ambiances.”
Marijke Lap, 50, Restaurateur
“Prince Willem-Alexander will be a great monarch. He’s been groomed for it for the last decade or so. He’s in touch with the Dutch people, downto-earth and accessible.
“Queen Beatrix did a great job and was a really good representative of our country. It’s not like the British system where we expect [monarchs] to be in the position until they die. If I was 75, I would be doing the same thing — retiring when you’re still strong and healthy enough to enjoy life.”
Esther Tollenaar, 41, Business owner
“Unlike a lot of the Dutch, I don’t think that much of [Prince Willem-Alexander]. The political influence of the royal family is not very clear to me, and especially today. He’s created his own role, with his passion for water, which is very important for the Dutch, so maybe this will make a difference.”
Dennis Bierbman, 32, Regional fitness manager
“I think it’s a good thing that someone young takes over from Queen Beatrix: he’s more in line with the modern generation. [Prince Willem-Alexander’s] knowledge of water management and ecological problems will greatly benefit Holland given the world’s current problems. Also, I know he is a keen sports fan, and as a sportsman myself, I hope he will be able to open up a greater budget for professional sports.”
Maja Kozel, 33, Interior architect
“I’m really excited about it. He’s perceived as a role model in Holland. And it’s pretty amazing that Princess Maxima will be Queen Consort; she’ll bring some added spice to the royal family.
“I’m from the same town as them and you see them riding their bikes to take their children to school, I think this is a great way for the royal family to bring up their children, in the public eye.”
Cees Van Dooren, 66, Retired pilot
“I think it’s wonderful how Queen Beatrix has abdicated, knowing these times are for the younger generation to tackle; I think it’s a really courageous move. And Princess Maxima will do really well — she’s so popular in the Netherlands, it’s not real.”
Niek Bragt, 35, Business managing director
“Crown Prince Willem-Alexander has always been extremely interested in the Dutch involvements abroad. Not one opportunity has gone by to listen to new ideas and new innovations, meeting with overseas companies and bringing the Dutch economy to a higher level. This openminded approach towards the people makes him a very amiable person and a true people’s king.”
Christian van Boxtel, 29, Engineering consultant
“As the coronation gets closer, it’s very special to be part of this unique event in our history. There will be a large challenge on his shoulders: the current economy in Europe, movements in the world and combining the multiple cultures in the Netherlands, as well as maintaining the royal family’s place.
“Part of the Dutch society says the royal family is seen as [outmoded] and too costly and that we are better off as a republic. I do not share this opinion, I believe it’s good that you can identify yourself with your country and our royal family is part of that identity besides the typical things such as cheese, tulips and windmills.”
