Beatrix of the Netherlands Steps Aside
At 88 years old, Beatrix of the Netherlands does not have a schedule as busy as those of Queen Sofía or Queen Sonja of Norway, but she has continued to attend institutional events and fulfill some official engagements since her abdication in 2013. King Willem-Alexander’s mother actively participates in award ceremonies linked to the Crown, such as the Appeltjes van Oranje awards presented by the Oranje Fonds foundation—awards whose bronze statuettes she designed herself and which she attends each year alongside King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
In addition, Princess Beatrix continues to make official trips to the Dutch Caribbean territories (such as her recent visits to Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba) to preside over events dedicated to nature conservation, sustainable development, and education. She also continues to attend certain cultural and charitable events in her home country, such as the Dutch Ballet Gala hosted by the Dansersfonds Foundation, which she attended in mid-October.
Beatrix of the Netherlands, who now resides at Drakenstein Castle, was Queen of the Netherlands for 33 years, from 1980 to 2013. Following the coronation of her son Willem, she regained the title of princess, and today her official title is Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, and Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld. Beatrix of the Netherlands remains deeply loved and respected by the people, and within the Orange-Nassau royal family, she continues to support and guide her son, King Willem-Alexander.
Three Role Models
Queen Sofía, Queen Sonja of Norway, and Beatrix of the Netherlands all embody the key institutional values essential to preserving the monarchy in their respective countries. Loyal to the crown in one capacity or another and having dedicated their lives to public service for decades, all three are great examples of institutional loyalty for their granddaughters— Princess Leonor, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Princess Amalia—who will one day become queens.
Originally published in Vanity Fair Spain.
