- .Crown Prince Willem-Alexander was inaugurated as the Netherlands' first king since 1890 today
- .His mother Beatrix, is abdicating after a 33-year reign - she is now Princess Beatrix
- .'I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new king, Willem-Alexander,' she told the cheering crowd
- .Her decision to step down from the largely ceremonial role had been widely expected
- .Celebrations are expected to continue with a water pageant along the IJ, Amsterdam's historic waterfront
By JILL REILLY
Willem-Alexander has been sworn in as king of the Netherlands at a colourful ceremony attended by 2,000 visitors in Amsterdam.
The 46-year-old became the country's first king since 1890 when his 75-year-old mother Beatrix signed the abdication deed after 33 years on the throne this morning.
As King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxim took centre stage in Nieuwe Kerk, a decommissioned church, Princess Beatrix smiled happily, watching the proceedings with her three granddaughters, who all wore matching royal blue dresses.
Wearing a fur-trimmed ceremonial mantle, swore an oath of allegiance to his country and the constitution in the historic New Church.
Royal duty: King Willem-Alexander raises his right hand as he swears to uphold the Dutch constitution during his investiture ceremony next to Queen Maxima in the Nieuwe Kerk or New Church in Amsterdam
Blue vision: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima take their place in Nieuwe Kerk or New Church in Amsterdam for his inauguration
Next chapter: As King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxim took centre stage in Nieuwe Kerk, a decommissioned church, Princess Beatrix smiled happily, watching the proceedings with her three granddaughters, who all wore matching royal blue dresses
Family: Princess Beatrix shares a quiet moment with her grandaughter as Queen Maxim smiles proudly during the ceremony this afternoon
On show: Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands arrives with Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau (back right), Princess Ariane (fourth right), Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange (third right) and Princess Alexia
Guests: Prince Charles and Camilla in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam for the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander
High profile guests: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall were among thousands of people who gathered in the decommissioned church
A glamorous affair: Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, left, arrived alongside Prince Daniel of Sweden and Princess Victoria of Sweden
Famous faces: From left to right: Japan's Crown Princess Masako, Prince Nahurito, Qatar's Sheikha Moza bint Nasser al Misned, Morocco's Princess Lalla Salma and Prince Albert II of Monaco at the inauguration
Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed al Nahyan , left of the United Arab Emirates arrives for the inauguration and Sjeikha Moza bint Nasser al Misned of Qatar, right
Future: In a speech in the church, Europe's youngest monarch underscored the ceremonial nature of his monarchy in this egalitarian society but also the symbolic and economic value a king can deliver on state visits aimed at drumming up trade
Attendance: Princess Letizia of Spain and Prince Felipe of Spain walk down the aisle to take their seats
Official: Members of the royal household are seen lining up behind the new king and queen
In a speech in the church, Europe's youngest monarch underscored the ceremonial nature of his monarchy in this egalitarian society but also the symbolic and economic value a king can deliver on state visits aimed at drumming up trade.
'I will proudly represent the kingdom and help discover new opportunities,' he said.
The investiture ceremony was the final formal act on a day of high emotion within the House of Orange-Nassau and was to be followed by an evening boat tour around the historic Amsterdam waterfront.
The new king gripped his mother's hand and looked briefly into her eyes after they both signed the abdication document in the Royal Palace on downtown Amsterdam's Dam Square.
Beatrix looked close to tears as she then appeared on a balcony decked out with tulips, roses and oranges, overlooking 25,000 of her subjects.
Eventful: The investiture ceremony was the final formal act on a day of high emotion within the House of Orange-Nassau and was to be followed by an evening boat tour around the historic Amsterdam waterfront
Centre of attention: Princess Beatrix and her grand daughters walk up the blue carpet to attend the ceremony
Little princesses: The three young girls dressed in blue wave to the crowds
Blue vision: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima arrive at the Nieuwe Kerk or New Church in Amsterdam for his inauguration
Procession: The royal couple held hands as they walked down a matching blue carpet in front of an excited crowd
Rainbow parade: A colourful procession make their way through Amsterdam watched by huge crowds of orange-clad partygoers
Fellow countrymen: Dutch Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien, left, attended as well as Dutch Princess Christina and her son Bernardo, right
Roll call: Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan, left, and former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and his wife Nane on the blue carpet, right
Guests arrive to attend the inauguration: The Dutch monarch is never crowned, since, in the absence of a state church, there is no cleric available to carry out the coronation
Crown Prince Billah and Crown Princess Sarah of Brunei, left, made an appearance alongside Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium
On show: Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco and Crown Prince Haakon, left, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, right
Dutch Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette stop for a photo as they make their way across alongside Prince Charles and Camilla
'I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new king, Willem-Alexander,' she told the cheering crowd, which chanted: 'Bea bedankt' ('Thanks Bea.')
Moments later, in a striking symbol of the generational shift, she left the balcony and the new king, his wife and three daughters - the children in matching yellow dresses and headbands - waved to the crowd.
'Dear mother, today you relinquished the throne. 33 years moving and inspiring years. We are intensely, intensely grateful to you,' the new king said.
With her abdication, she becomes Princess Beatrix and her son ascends the throne as King Willem-Alexander.
The father of three's wife becomes Queen Maxima and their eldest daughter, Catharina-Amalia, becomes Princess Orange and first in line to the throne.
Willem-Alexander, a 46-year-old water management specialist, is expected to bring a less formal touch to the monarchy together with his wife, a former investment banker from Argentina.
End of an era: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands signs the act of abdication next to her son Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife Crown Princess Maxima during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam
New generation: Queen Beatrix passes the act of abdication to her son Crown Prince Willem-Alexander who smiled widely as he signed the act
New queen: Maxima wore a pale rose-coloured dress with a shimmery skirt and enormous bow on her left shoulder. The father of three's wife becomes Queen Maxima and their eldest daughter, Catharina-Amalia, becomes Princess Orange and first in line to the throne
Support: The 46-year-old, the first Dutch king in more than 100 years, gripped his mother's hand after they both put their signatures on the abdication document at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam
Retirement: Mother and son share an intimate moment as they sit at the table during the abdication ceremony
Change: Beatrix signed the abdication document in front of the Dutch cabinet in an ornate room today
Meet and greet: Beatrix greets guests at her abdication ceremony in the Moseszaal of the Royal Palace
Big day: The daughters of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima (l to r) Princess Ariane, Princess Catharina Amalia and Princess Alexia sit patiently during the ceremony
Official: The signed act of abdication of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is seen after the official meeting at the Royal Palace this morning
On show: Princess Beatrix wore a sober purple dress while her grandaughters', including nine-year-old Catharina-Amalia who has become Princess of Orange and is now first in line to the throne, all wore matching yellow dresses
He has pledged to be a 21st century king, close to his nearly 17 million subjects, and not a 'protocol fetishist'.
Wearing a sober purple dress, Beatrix signed the abdication document in front of the Dutch cabinet, Willem-Alexander and Maxima, who wore a pale rose-coloured dress with a shimmery skirt and enormous bow on her left shoulder.
'Today, I make way for a new generation,' said Beatrix.
April 30, or Queen's day, is always a day for partying in the Netherlands. Many people took Monday off work and started celebrating in earnest from Monday evening with street bands and music.
Bittersweet: The new Dutch and his wife followed Princess Beatrix on to the balcony to greet the crowds
Handover: 'Today, I make way for a new generation,' said Beatrix, 75, who now takes the title of Princess
Goodbye: King Willem-Alexander kisses his mother as the royal trio appear on the balcony of the Royal Palace at the Dam Square
New leader: King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and his mother Princess Beatrix greet the crowd of Dam Square from the balcony of the Royal Palace Amsterdam, following the official abdication
Gesture: Princess Beatrix embraces her son and his wife. The celebrations will continue throughout the day
Emotional: The 75-year-old looked close to tears as she then appeared on a balcony overlooking some 20,000 of her subjects
Patriotic: King Willem-Alexander, Dutch Princess Beatrix and Dutch Queen Maxima sing the national anthem on the balcony
Tender: Queen Maxima smiles as she watches her husband and mother exchange a kiss on one of the most important days of their lives
Bowing out: Princess Maxima steps back inside leaving the new King and Queen on the balcony to the delight of the crowd
New beginnings: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima appear on the balcony of the Royal Palace with their children, from left: Catharina-Amalia, Ariane, and Alexia
Vision: King Willem-Alexander, a 46-year-old water management specialist, is expected to bring a less formal touch to the monarchy together with Maxima, a popular former investment banker from Argentina
Excitement: The family happily waved to the excited crowds before leaving the balcony
Royal couple: The balcony was turned into a bower of flowers to mark the state occasion with many blooms in the national orange
Ready for duty: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima are seen in this official portrait
Last night Prince Charles and Camilla joined members of the Dutch Royal Family for a dinner in honour of Beatrix at the world-famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which has just reopened after a lavish €375m renovation. Prince Charles was also in attendance when Beatrix was crowned in 1980.
The generational change in the House of Orange-Nassau gave the Netherlands a moment of celebration and pageantry as this trading nation of nearly 17 million struggles through a lengthy recession brought on by the European economic crisis.
Els Nederstigt, 38, said she got up at 5:30 a.m. to travel to Amsterdam and sat on a camping stool close to the Royal Palace on the Dam Square wearing an orange cowboy hat and tiara.
'It's a special moment. I was a very small girl when Beatrix came to the throne so this is the first change in the monarchy I can really experience,' she said. 'We were here when Willem-Alexander and Maxima got married and what you remember is that you were there - you forget how early you had to get up and how tired you were.'
'He (Willem-Alexander) knows what is needed. He unites people. He has made it possible for the different generations to mingle more,' said 40-year-old Margriet Dantuma, dressed in an orange skirt, as she joined others on the Amsterdam pavements putting out impromptu stalls of bric-a-brac for sale.
Police said one man was arrested on Dam Square shortly after the abdication for not following officers' order.
Less than an hour before the abdication, the city was not as busy as expected, possibly an indication that many people were staying home to watch the abdication live on television.
Celebrations: A woman wearing orange and sporting a blue and orange wig topped by a crown waves the Netherlands flag as she poses in Dam Square
Popular: The buildings around the square were topped with temporary gold crowns to mark the occasion
Jubilant: Supporters cheer as the royal family take their place on the balcony in front of a sea of orange
Rejoice: Thousands of orange-clad people cheered outside and millions more watched on national television
The generational change in the House of Orange-Nassau gave the Netherlands a moment of celebration and pageantry as this trading nation of nearly 17 million struggles through a lengthy recession brought on by the European economic crisis
Sea of orange: The abdication followed a 33-year reign marked in recent years by unrest in Dutch society and personal tragedy
Prepared: People wait for Queen Beatrix's abdication ceremony in Amsterdam. Less than an hour before the abdication, the city was not as busy as expected, possibly an indication that many people were staying home to watch the abdication live on television
Fun day out: The square was filling up slowly early today with sightseers, many wearing inflatable orange crowns and dressing up as royalty
Celebrations: A couple wear hats reading 'Maxima' and 'Willem' as they gather in Dam Square
Els Nederstigt, 38, said she got up at 5:30 a.m. to travel to Amsterdam and sat on a camping stool close to the Royal Palace on the Dam Square wearing an orange cowboy hat and tiara
Proud: Two men wearing orange, the royal colour. The Netherlands is celebrating Queen's Day which also marks the abdication of Queen Beatrix
Party mood: People dance in Amsterdam's Dam Square. King Willem-Alexander thanked mother for ;33 moving and interesting years'
Picking a perch: Royalists find a place to sit in the crowded square as the ceremony gets under way
Sea of orange: Beatrix has been a very popular queen and enjoyed huge support from the population of the Netherlands
It wasn't all orange - one blue and white Argentine flag being held up in front of the palace was emblazoned with the Dutch language text: 'Netherlands thanks for loving and having faith in Maxima.'
Britain's Prince Charles and Japan's Crown Princess Masako, who is making her first foreign trip since falling ill a decade ago, will be among 2,000 visitors at the official investiture ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.
The royal family will head from the palace to the 600-year-old Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church, next door in the afternoon where the king will swear an oath to uphold the Dutch constitution before lawmakers.
The Dutch monarch is never crowned, since, in the absence of a state church, there is no cleric available to carry out the coronation. But there is a crown, which will sit on a table next to him throughout the ceremony, along with other regalia that constitute the crown jewels.
Willem-Alexander will wear a royal mantle that has been used for investitures since 1815, although it has been repaired and altered at least twice over the past century, for the investitures of his mother and grandmother.
Change over: Dutch Queen Beatrix, centre, and Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, left, and his wife Princess Maxima arrive for the banquet
Last dinner: Queen Beatrix Of The Netherlands hosts a Gala Dinner ahead of her abdication last night
Celebration: Prince Charles and wife Camila, Duchess of Cornwall, arrive for a banquet hosted by the Dutch Royal family at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, last night
Celebration: The pair sported a monochrome look as they arrived at the elaborate dinner
Celebrations are expected to continue through the evening with a water pageant along the IJ, Amsterdam's historic waterfront.
At a time of austerity and billions of euros of budget cuts, the government promised to keep the cost of the pageantry down.
This week's ceremonies will cost about 12 million euros, but that excludes the bill for the extensive security measures
Security was tight today with 10,000 uniformed police, 3,000 plainclothes officers and an untold number of civil servants assisting in the logistics.
The airspace above Amsterdam was closed yesterday for three days. Dutch police swept Dam square for bombs, with assistance from German agents with sniffer dogs.
Observers believe Beatrix remained on the throne for so long in part because she was seen as a stabilizing factor in the country that struggled to assimilate more and more immigrants, mainly Muslims from North Africa, and shifted away from its traditional reputation as one of the world's most tolerant nations.
Decision: Dutch Queen Beatrix, who ruled the Netherlands for 33 years, announced on 28 January 2013 her abdication from the throne
Making an entrance: Crown Princess Maxima, left, and Princess Laurentien, the wife of Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands, the third son of Queen Beatrix (right) arrive at the Dutch Royal Dinner at The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
Royal affair: Belgium's Crown Prince Phillippe and his wife Princess Mathilde, of noble Polish ancestry, arrive for a banquet hosted by the Dutch Royal family
Diamonds are a girl's best friend: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, left, and Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco, right, both wore magnificent jewelled tiaras to the event
In recent years, speculation about when she might abdicate had grown, as she endured personal losses that both softened her image and increased her popularity further as the public sympathized.
Her husband Prince Claus died in 2002; and last year she was devastated when her youngest son, Prince Friso, was hit by an avalanche while skiing in Austria and suffered severe brain damage. Friso remains in a near comatose state.
In her pre-recorded message she said she had been thinking about the issue for some years and now was the 'the moment to lay down my crown'.
'Now that my oldest son is to take over this fine and responsible job tomorrow, it is my deep wish that the new royal couple will feel themselves supported by your loving trust,' the popular monarch said in a nationally televised address.
'I am convinced that Willem-Alexander will apply himself with true devotion for everything a good king is obliged to do.'
Beatrix succeeded her mother, Juliana, as head of state, and she won widespread acclaim and admiration from the Dutch people. Most feel she has proved a supremely competent, if occasionally aloof, head of state over her 33-year reign.
'My mother taught me that being queen is a position that you carry around with you day and night,' she said once. 'You can never forget about it, not for a moment.'
Dutch Crown Princess Maxima waved as she left the Royal Palace before the ceremony. She wore a variety of stunning jewels for the occasion, which will see her husband take the throne and make her queen consort
Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, and his wife Nane Lagergren arrive, left, while right, Spanish Crown Prince Felipe and his wife Princess Letizia, also stride along the red carpet in front of the world's media before the gala dinner at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
Grand entrance: The popular Princess Mathilde and Prince Philippe of Belgium, left, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, right, were there to see the abdication, which will lead to the country having its first king since 1890
Heir: Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, with his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is the heir apparent to his country's throne. The pair have two children together, and the princess has another child from a previous relationship
Princess Mathilde of Belgium (left) and Prince Philippe of Belgium (right) from the neighbouring country, were there to celebrate the change of monarchs
Regal: Crown prince Billah and Princess Sarah of Brunei, left, and Princess Christina of the Netherlands, pictured on the left with Princess Irene of the Netherlands, arrived for the dinner on the eve of her abdication after 33 years rule. Queen Beatrix says it is time the country was led by a new generation
Perhaps most tellingly, since she took office in 1980 the House of Orange has been almost scandal-free, a stark contrast to many other European royal families.
'There will be tears on Tuesday,' said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, paying tribute to 'this formidable lady who has ruled this country for over 30 years'.
A poll released yesterday by national broadcaster NOS showed that Willem-Alexander's popularity has swelled in the run-up to his accession, mostly due to a relaxed and confident performance in an interview that was televised nationally earlier this month.
He said he's not a stickler for protocol, and he believes that 'even the ultimate symbol of a ceremonial monarchy - cutting ribbons - can be very substantive.'
He explained that he will be able to indicate by his selection of which events and openings to attend the things he believes are important for the Netherlands.
He said he sees the function of the monarchy is to act as a living symbol of unity for the nation.
The royals are broadly popular, with 78 percent of Dutch in favour of the monarchy up from 74 percent a year ago, according to an Ipsos poll.
But they have been stripped of their political influence, and no longer appoint the mediator who conducts exploratory talks when forming government coalitions.
Royal flush: Prince Daniel of Sweden, left, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, centre, and Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan were there to see the abdication, which has been emotionally celebrated across the country
Princess Stephanie of Luxembourg and Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg , left, by Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, right, were among the European royals who attended. It is tradition for heads of state not to attend such occasions
Royal line-up: Glamorous-looking Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary lead the way as they enter the event
Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands, his wife Princess Laurentien, right, and Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau, , the wife of Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau (second son of Queen Beatrix)
Princess Mabel, (left) wife of Prince Friso, links arms with Queen Beatrix's youngest son, Prince Constantijn, who was joined by his Princess Laurentien, (right) who he married in 2001
Exquisite: The stunning view shows the opulent surroundings that he dignitaries dined in, as outside civilians took to the streets to welcome their new king
Fit for a King and Queen: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was surrounded by Royal figures, including Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who can be seen in sparkling white
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