Queen Beatrix Of The Netherlands To Abdicate.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22348160

[LazyGun]

Yes, true. Still not sure I like an unelected aristocracy having their hands on any sort of lever of power though :)

[Brenden]

Rather our monachy (who really have no ministerial power) than the gravy boat that runs through the EU.

[DTCwordfan]

There's a big difference between the monarchies. In the Neths today, it is an investiture not a coronation. Technically the monarch has no crown as that was rejected when they set up the House of Orange...there is a notional crown but it's a cheap symbol. Whereas here the monarch takes the job for life in the name of God......that was part of QE2's pledge if one remembers back then.

[zebo]

Not only should the Duchess of Cornwall be Queen Camilla on the acsension of her husband, she should also now be Princess of Wales, as he is the P of W. We all know the reasons why she isn't referred to by that title, the apologists for his late wife would have apoplexy, although it would be amusing to see the steam rising from their vents!

[Kromovaracun]

I don't know. It seems to be that being able to 'provide apoltiical representation' of a country does suggest a degree of influence or 'soft power', if you like unavailable to those ordinarily considered powerless. Furthermore, those of us who are republicans have certainly never been asked whether we want to be represented internationally by a monarch...

[poortony]

The new King will be Queen Beatrix eldest son William Alexander, so they will have a new King William, boy that should make Belfast (or to be politically correct and say Northern Ireland ) happy, they are still celebrating the dutch
William of Orange win in the battle of the Boyne on the 1st of July 1690, celebrated the 12th July each year, don't know why the 12th but we all have
a holiday.

[jim360]

I thought that was odd when you said it tony, but it's partly to do with the changing of calenders from Julian to Gregorian. so 1st July 1690 in the old money is 11th July today. And then, maybe someone just miscounted.

[poortony]

Thank you Jim, I forgot about the calender changing.
Its a lovely day here (so far) hope you have a nice day.

[jim360]

Thank you and same to youtony!

[AB Editor]

You can watch it live here: http://www.euronews.com/2013/04/29/live---willem-alexander-crowned-as-new-netherlands-king

It's got some big singing and very orange.

[anotheoldgit]

andy-hughes

/// Indeed it is - but simply plucking a news item which at first sight is not especially relavent to us seems unusual - which is why I queryed it. ///

It may not be relevant to you or your pals but please give others the chance to find out news items, that they might have missed themselves otherwise.

There are many posts on this site when someone well known dies, and all that is put is Jack Smith died today R.I.P.

Are you saying also that these should only be posted if they are relevant to Andy-Hughes and his pals?

[shaneystar2]

I've had a look at the pictures and the news on this as I vividly remember Queen Beatrix becoming Queen way back in 1980 and it interested me .We lived in the Netherlands then and I was expecting my second child .We watched it on television and then in the evening there was a street party to which we were invited .Lovely people the Dutch and very fond of their royals .Where have 33 years gone :)

[andy-hughes]

AOG - "Are you saying also that these should only be posted if they are relevant to Andy-Hughes and his pals?"

No - because if that was what I was saying, that is what I would have said.

Plus, for the record, I don't have any 'pals' on the AB.

You would be most upset if you thought people were taking something you did not say, and then responding as though you did say it - i am not at all upset, just happy to correct your misinterperetation.

[anotheoldgit]

Kromovaracun

/// Republic please. ///

And preferably a Socialist republic eh, Kromovaracun?

[anotheoldgit]

andy-hughes

Are you in fact denying that you typed this?

/// Indeed it is - but simply plucking a news item which at first sight is not especially relavent to us seems unusual - which is why I queryed it. ///

Note the "which at first sight is not especially relevant to us"

Who were you referring to when you put 'us'?

You could have put "which at first sight is not especially relevant to me"

[DTCwordfan]

Why don't both of you abdicate so we can get on and discuss the merits of the Dutch monarchy viz the Brit one?

Spare us, for once, from the usual bitching.

[Baldric]

^^^^^^^^^^^
It must be a really quiet Newsday!!!

[shaneystar2]

Quite DTC ..I really liked the pictures today .
I love a bit of pomp and ceremony :)

[Zeuhl]

//Note the "which at first sight is not especially relevant to us"

Who were you referring to when you put 'us'? //

I would assume andy was referring to 'us British'

as the news item in question is a Dutch affair

aog (sigh) yet again your interpretations of other ABers errs on the malicious side

[Kromovaracun]

"And preferably a Socialist republic eh, Kromovaracun?"

Erm, no, not necessarily.