The day began early at 8 in the morning, when one hundred canon blasts woke up Amsterdam. Less than two hours later, Queen Juliana, Princess Beatrix and the other members of the Royal Family joined the official guests of the abdication ceremony in one of the rooms of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, which included the Presidents of the First and Second Chamber, the Prime-Minister and several members of the Cabinet. Queen Juliana sat in the middle of the enormous table, facing the cameras, having by her right Prince Bernhard and by her left Princess Beatrix, who had on her left Prince Claus. Queen Juliana, after a brief speech, asked that the act of abdication be read, so that she could sign it afterwards. Soon after 10 in the morning Queen Juliana signed the act of abdication, followed by Princess Beatrix. On that moment, Beatrix became Queen of the Netherlands, Juliana became Princess of the Netherlands. It was a solemn and yet very moving moment. One hour later, the Royal Family appeared in the balcony of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam to the cheers of thousands of people massed in front of the Palace. Juliana spoke to the microphones: “I have just renounced the throne. I present you Beatrix, your new queen.” Queen Beatrix, very moved, answered her mother in a brief speech:
No comments:
Post a Comment