What is in a name? A lot, the Dutch claim. The heir to the throne should succeed his mother as King Willem-Alexander a survey by national broadcaster NOS found. 66 Percent of those polled favour that name over a more traditional King William IV (19 percent want him to choose that name).
And the Prince of Orange himself? He keeps silent about it, although many years ago he said it would be William IV. The eldest son of Queen Beatrix, 70, has another option. In daily usage he is called simply Alexander, so a King Alexander would be another possibility.
In the same survey seven in ten said they favoured a modernisation of the monarchy, but there was no agreement on how and what has to be modernised. 38,9 Percent want a ceremonial monarchy, along the lines of Sweden, but 31,8 percent is against that - as are the present Queen and her successor.
There are no doubts about keeping the monarchy itself though: 80 percent is in favour, in line with previous figures and with other polls traditionally held in the days leading up to Queen’s Day, the Netherlands’ national holiday.
Willem-Alexander and his wife Princess Máxima enjoy good marks too: 94 percent of those polled think they are preparing themselves well for their future job. Twothirds are of the opinion Queen Beatrix should make way for them within the next three years; not that there is dissatisfaction with her, 75 percent think she is doing an excellent job. © GPD Netherlands Press Association; Photos by © GPD ANP, POOL
Comments