Queen Beatrix: 33 years of Dutch reign

Observers believe she remained on the throne for so long in part because of unrest in Dutch society as the country struggled to assimilate more and more immigrants, mainly Muslims from North Africa, and shifted away from its traditional reputation as one of the world's most tolerant nations.

Prince Claus, the German-born husband of Dutch Queen Beatrix, is seen in this photo of April 30, 1980 in the New Church in Amsterdam during the formal inauguration ceremony of Queen Beatrix, left. Prince Claus died on Sunday Oct. 6, 2002 at age 76.

Credit: AP Photo/ Heinz Ducklau