The Netherlands have a new King, the first time since 1890 the country has a King again. With pomp and circumstance and much jubilation Willem-Alexander was welcomed as the new monarch after Queen Beatrix had signed the Act of Abdication in the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.
A photographic impression by Patrick van Katwijk
Princess Beatrix presents to the 25,000 people in front of the Royal Palace on Dam square in Amsterdam the Netherlands' New King: Willem-Alexander.
The new royal family of the Netherlands: King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, Princesses Amalia, Alexia and Ariane on the balcony of Amsterdam's Royal Palace.
Princess Beatrix, Princess Mabel and the three daughters of the new royal couple walk from the Royal Palace to the Nieuwe Kerk to attend the investiture or inauguration of King Willem-Alexander.
The ceremony is attended by representatives of 18 monarchies. The Japanese Crown Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan are among the illustreous guests.
The new King and Queen make their way to Amsterdam's Nieuwe Kerk, just metres away from the Royal Palace. King Willem-Alexander will take the oath in a joint session of the States-General and representatives of the Dutch Caribbean countries of Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten.
After the ceremony all the guests and members of the Dutch and other royal families returned to the Royal Palace for a reception in honour of the new King and Queen Máxima, including Princess Beatrix and her grandchildren and Princess Mabel.
Queen Máxima, King Willem-Alexander and the new Princess of Orange arrive for the evening's entertainment and dinner at Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ in Amsterdam, April 30.
© DPP Patrick van Katwijk
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