Prince Willem-Alexander Will be New Netherlands King (but with limited political influence)

Late in January 2013 it was announced that Queen Beatrix, who has ruled the Netherlands since 1980 will abdicate the throne in favor of her son, Prince Willem-Alexander. This is to take effect on April 30, 2013. Queen Beatrix is now 75 years old.

It has been revealed on Thursday that the Prince’s ruling style will be more of the hands-off approach, ruling with limited powers unlike in the heyday of ruling royalties. This makes sense since their political influence in the Netherlands is already on the wane and most of their powers are titular rather than political.

Queen Beatrix and the royalty

Queen Beatrix has been sitting on the throne for 33 years, and on Queen’s Day, April 30 she will hand over the throne to her eldest son, Prince Willem-Alexander who will celebrate his 46th birthday on April 27.

In contrast to other European nations, the royal family of the Netherlands has real political power, combined with their wealth and influence. Their lifestyle though is much-more subdued, appearing to be living just like some middle-class families. It was only last year that a mediator was not appointed by the Queen to have explorative talks for the formation of political coalitions.

Prince Willem-Alexander

It will be the first time in 120 years that the Dutch will have another king when Prince Willem-Alexander is handed the throne on April 30. The last king the Netherlands had was William III who died in 1890.

Active participation of the monarch in all aspects of Dutch politics was scrapped before the September 2012 elections. Although without formal political power, it is expected that he will still be influential in leading his country.

The Prince’s full name is Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand. He is known to have a fondness for beer, prompting the tabloid papers to call him Prince Pils. However he had built a solid resume and is considered a water management expert, something that is crucial in the country as this is what keeps the country dry and their industries booming. He is also a member of quite a number of international committees on water management.

The Prince is married to an Argentinian commoner, Máxima Zorrigueta, a down-to-earth woman who quickly endeared herself to the Dutch populace after she quickly learned her husband’s native language.

Photo Credit: Prince Willem-Alexander