On 28 January 2013, Queen Beatrix announced her abdication via a speech on radio and TV, which would take effect on 30 April. From that moment on, her son Prince Willem-Alexander would become King.
The Prince of Orange had already been informed of this by his mother a year earlier.
After the abdication ceremony in the Palace on Dam Square, Princess Beatrix introduced the new King to the people on the balcony of the palace. He gave a short speech and Princess Beatrix left the balcony to make way for the royal family.
The inauguration and swearing-in of Willem-Alexander took place in the Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square.
The King wore a tailcoat with the royal mantle with ermine over it.
This was the same mantle that his mother wore in 1980, but restored for this new inauguration.
Máxima wore a beautiful royal blue dress with Delft blue embroidery designed by Jan Taminiau. The princesses wore royal blue dresses by fashion house Natan.
The thrones were two refurbished chairs from 1901, which were given to Queen Wilhelmina by the people on the occasion of her wedding. The chairs were provided with heraldic lions.
On the credence table in the Church were the crown regalia; the constitution, the orb, the scepter and the crown.
The church had room for 2000 guests, including citizens, personal guests, members of the government and representatives of all European Royal Houses and some Arab ones. The Crown Prince couple from Japan and the wife of the Moroccan King were also present. The Family of Máxima was not present.
After the ceremony there was a reception at the Palace and in the evening the Royal Family took a boat trip on the IJ that ended at the Muziekgebouw aan het IJ where the evening meal took place for invited guests followed by a party.
People who made a special contribution to the inauguration were awarded a special silver commemorative medal, of which 18,000 were made.
Of course, the necessary souvenirs were made for this Royal event, here are some examples from our collection.
3D perspex state portrait of the King by Ad van Hassel
Plate & Vase designed by Piet Paris
Pin issued by the Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam
Inauguration Medal
Orange vase by Leerdam Glass factory
Tile made for the inauguration
One of the may beakers 7 mugs made for this occasion
Wine glasses
