Queen Beatrix: 33 years of Dutch reign

The abdication also comes at a time of trial for Beatrix. This time a year ago she was struck by personal tragedy when the second of her three sons, Prince Friso, was left in a coma after being engulfed by an avalanche while skiing in Austria.

In this photo taken Dec. 22, 1981 from left: Prince Claus, Queen Beatrix, Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince Johan Friso and Prince Constantijn, pose for a photo during a winter vacation in Lech, Austria.

Credit: AP Photo