Dutch Queen Abdicates

• Dutch Queen abdicates, Willem-Alexander to succeed
• AMSTERDAM - Dutch Queen Beatrix, 75 abdicating in favour of her son. The decision appeared popular with ordinary Dutch people.  Dutch queens have made a tradition of stepping aside for the next generation over the last century. 
• Willem-Alexander, 45, is married to Princess Maxima from Argentina
• Beatrix also wanted to ensure that anti-immigrant, eurosceptic politician Geert Wilders, of whom she disapproved, was in no danger of assuming real political influence.  Wilders' poor showing at the last election and loss of influence in politics, could well have contributed to her decision to abdicate. 

• Netherlands has reduced the involvement of the Royal House in politics
• The queen had taken part in forming government coalitions by appointing a mediator, a role that raised questions about undue influence on the democratic process and which was scrapped last year.
• the Netherlands is likely to revive the debate about the role of the monarchy and the high cost of maintaining the royal household, particularly when ordinary Dutch people are having to deal with austerity measures.
• "There is an ongoing discussion about the role of the royals in a modern society, and that discussion needs to continue,"

• The Dutch royal family has not escaped scandal and controversy.
• Beatrix married German Claus von Amsberg in 1966, and faced street protests. Von Amsberg a member of the Hitler Youth.
• In the 1970s, Beatrix  father Prince Bernhard (took)  bribes in the Lockheed scandal.
• Willem-Alexander love of fast cars, good-looking women, and partying.  He caused a stir when he married a commoner whose father was a minister in Argentina's military dictatorship from 1976-1983. 

In modern European society, the role of their remaining monarchs is coming under greater criticism. The Europeans have long ago matured and broken away from any identifying with their royals. In today's Europe the concept of bloodlines and pedigrees are more popular among kennel associations.  

So today their royals get all dressed up with really nowhere to go. Maybe have their pictures taken. 

Looking at the debate in Holland, many modern Dutch see their royals as a shackle that still ties them to  a  less modern history - of a vague sanguis regalis  (royal blood), then maybe after Oliver Cromwell's les majeste against Charles Ist, of  'primus inter pares' (first among equals). Cromwell chopped off the head of King Charles Ist for treason. 

Now even the idea of 'primus inter pares' or first among equals is dying a logical death in Europe. 

Anyway here is a picture of another set of European royals from across the English Channel having a conversation on the balcony. Here is what they said. 

Harry : Granna, when are you going to let papa become king? 

Elizabeth : Never. Charles Ist got his head chopped off. Your papa Charles may get the entire monarchy chopped off. 
Charles : I dont want the throne you idiot. Camilla just wants the rugs.