Queen Beatrix (Netherlands)

[chonies]

Whoa. Is the monarchy dissolving, too? Or will the crowned prince ascend?

Or, durrr. I could read the news. link. Interesting. I didn't realize Juliana abdicated, too. Unusual but refreshing precedent.

[Augustus]

Her abdication announcement was short and to the point. I have to say, she looked quite relieved.

It really is weird to me, I have known her to be my queen since the day I was born, as she came to the thrown shortly after I was born. King Willem next, that will be interesting.

Also, as you can imagine this is MASSIVE news within these borders, they're showing old footage, it is quite interesting to hear how her very clipped accent has changed over time. And yes, she has an accent, not like any I know of, nor anyone else apparently.

[tabby]

I didn't realize Juliana abdicated, too.

Also Wilhelmina, back in the 1940s.

This will be the first time in decades that The Netherlands hasn't had a reigning Queen.

[Augustus]

OMG, our national holiday, Queen's Day will be King's Day from 2014 onwards. And no longer celebrated on April 30th, but on the 27th. Well, at least it will be on his Birthday, like the original Queen's Day celebration was on Juliana's.

[biondetta]

I can't believe they're changing it that year. Why not wait a year so it's at least a Monday and a proper holiday!

That said, as an American now living here, it's fascinating to be watching the coverage. History in the making! My boyfriend and I were joking about how often do you get to see an abdication?

Right after the announcement, Twitter wasn't really working properly, probably due to the heavy usage, since so many Dutch do use all forms of social media. I'm not particularly a fan of monarchy in theory, but on the other hand, compared to some, the Dutch aren't that bad. Everything I've seen has had Maxima and Willem-Alexander shown fairly positively, so they should be decent monarchs (hopefully). Not surprised to see that Maxima's parents won't be attending the ceremony, what with past complaints when her father has visited. But she always seems so involved and personable. Willem may be king, but it seems Maxima may keep the focus on the queen.

[NappingAthena]

I've wondered since Friso's accident when she would step down, since it aged her terribly. I like Willem Alexander (which is Guess is going to be his regining name) and Maxima quite a lot-they both seem fairly smart, good parents, and very much in love.

This will make the new Princess of Orange, Catharina-Amalia, the youngest heir apparent in Europe and second youngest in the world. (These are I assume actual reigning monarchy, since the new Prussian baby would be youngest)

[chonies]

I've been reading about the new Koningslied, and finally got to hear it today. Could any of the Eurogreecies explain what the furore is about? The song in general sounds sort of overwrought, like a sweeping score from a movie.

[Augustus]

Contrived lines and the awful grammar that is included, cringeworthy lyrics. And this whole forced notion that every Dutch citizen supposed to sing along to it, which really is never a great idea with the Dutch. Pretty much in a nutshell.

[chonies]

Thanks, Augustus! I wasn't entirely sure based on context--I was really hoping it was an objection to the song itself and not, you know, rap music, if you know what I'm saying.

[Augustus]

Oh no, it is an objection to the whole song, though the rap part does have some truly cringeworthy WTF? lines. Good rap music is always welcome, this sorry excuse however is...bad. And not even in the sense of it being so bad, it's good. No, this is just embarrassingly bad.

It did however achieve in getting people together, which was the intent to begin with.