Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Abdicates

by Tom Sykes Jan 28, 2013 1:11 PM EST

What's that loud coughing noise coming from Prince Charles's rooms?

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has officially abdicated in favor of her son, Prince Willem-Alexander.

The 75-year-old monarch made the announcement live on TV a few minutes ago, at 7pm local time.

Queen Beatrix has been head of state since 1980, when her mother abdicated, who herself succeeded Queen Wilhelmina, who abdicated in 1948 at the age of 68.

Her own abdication has been widely expected for some time.

Recent years have been touched by tragedy for the Dutch royal family. In March last year her second son Prince Johan Friso was struck by an avalanche in Austria and remains in a coma.

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Tom Sykes is a writer and journalist, and he edits The Royalist blog for the Daily Beast. Tom has worked for many publications, including a stint as a nightlife reporter and gossip columnist for the New York Post. He has written several books, most recently helping John Taylor of Duran Duran write and edit his autobiography, published by Dutton. Tom lives in London and Ireland.

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About the Author

Tom Sykes

THE ROYALIST, updated several times daily, reports on all aspects of the British Royal Family. With breaking news and the latest gossip, great pictures and informed commentary, the Royalist is essential eyeballing for fans of the world’s most famous family.