Princess Beatrix presented the Netherlands' first male monarch in 122 years to the Dutch people Tuesday, moments after abdicating the throne, dpa reported.
"I am happy and thankful to present to you the new king - King Willem-Alexander," an emotional Beatrix said of her eldest son, as they appeared on the balcony of the Royal Palace.
Willem-Alexander told her: "Dear mother, today you parted from the kingship, after 33 moving and animated years for which we are intensely, intensely grateful to you."
He added: "I would like to wholeheartedly thank you all on Dam Square in Amsterdam, throughout the entire Netherlands and also the Caribbean parts of the monarchy, for the support and trust we received. Thank you."
