Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to abdicate throne; Queen Elizabeth II not likely to follow suit

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, left, and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. / Getty Images

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands announced Monday that she will abdicate on April 30, clearing the way for her eldest son, 45-year-old Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, to begin his reign.

Any chance Britain's Queen Elizabeth II might follow her example? Not likely, experts say.

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Queen Beatrix: 33 years of Dutch reign

The Dutch queen's retirement announcement is sparking some speculation in Britain about whether Elizabeth might follow suit so her eldest son, Prince Charles, can start his reign.

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Royal Life: Queen Elizabeth II through the years

Elizabeth is 86. Charles, 64, has been heir to the throne since he was 3 years old.

The British press poked fun at these concerns Tuesday, with the Daily Mirror featuring a photo of Beatrix with the headline: "Queen Gives Up Her Throne to Son." Then, in smaller type, "Easy, Charles...It's Queen Beatrix of Netherlands."

Others said, "Sorry Charles...it's in Holland, not here!"

But commentators quickly noted that Elizabeth -- who seems to be in excellent health -- has said in the past that she regards being queen as a "job for life."

At her Diamond Jubilee last summer marking 60 years on the throne, former Prime Minister John Major said the idea that the queen would abdicate was "absolutely absurd." He said she would serve her entire life unless a health crisis made it impossible.

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Author Robert Lacey, who has written several books about the British monarchy, said Beatrix's decision would likely firm up Elizabeth's resolve.

"It would reinforce her feeling that the Dutch don't know what monarchy is about, and that she should go on forever," he said. "The crown is a job for life in the British system."

He said the queen's mother, who lived to be 101, had made a "snarky" comment when Beatrix's own mother, Queen Juliana, stepped down as monarch decades ago.

Lacey said the idea of abdicating is particularly unpleasant for Elizabeth because her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936 so he could marry Wallis Simpson, a divorced American woman.

The resulting scandal, remembered as a low point for the monarchy, brought her father, King George VI, to the throne.

No one in British history has been heir apparent as long as Charles, who is set to become a grandfather when son Prince William and his wife, the former Kate Middleton, welcome their first child this summer.

[francisbutchoy]

you know us here in a presidential system og government wishes that we are back again to monarch system. to much corruption

[maistir]

The wealth of the British, Dutch and Spanish monarchies ought to be seized by their nations and used domestically or in their nations' former colonies that remain impoverished.

[SUZAMBA]

Parish the thought! I don't want the image of Camille being Queen! Oh my, what a nightmare that would be!!

[kenodenis]

The Old Gal needs to let it go. If she truly loves her son, why is she not giving him a chance to rule? At this rate - they'll both be in the rest home at the same time.

[varigdc10]

Rule? Rule what? These royals are nothing but freeloaders living in a dream world. I love it when they go on holiday ( vacation ), from what? They haven't done a thing since birth, give me a break.

[samXXkiley]

re*coucou,
The question is why? is it the love of the throne ?, perhaps that her majesty Queen Elizabeth II does not trust her son, ie, she is believed he is "unable" of providing this onerous task, whatever the reason, it is unfair to the prince Charles.
"au revoir"

[samXXkiley]

coucou,
The question is why? is it the love of the throne ? perhaps that her majesty Queen Elizabeth II does not trust her son, ie, she is believed he is not unable of providing this onerous task, whatever the reason, it is unfair to the prince Charles.
"au revoir"

[bud28dy]

No it's because in the 1200 year tradition of the British monarchy only Edward VIII has willingly abdicated the throne. It's not just some silly personal preference of hers -- it comes with the job.

[rwsmith29456]

Good for the old girl.

[wolfmagic2012]

Abolish all royalty. It's over. Time for them all to go out and get a job! Confiscate almost all of their properties and allow them to keep one residence (NOT a palace!) No more Earls, Barons, Marquis, Pinces, Princesses, etc, Kings or Queens. Royals are parasites on their countries. Divine right of birth is antiquated and has no place in modern society. To me, the only thing more stupid than those who are celebrity obsessed, is those who are "Royal Obsessed" What a waste of time, effort, and the treasury of their countries.

[mrhoneytoo]

You are actually mistaken to liken one royal family to another. Historically, the Dutch House of Orange has always had very good ties with the population. The same cannot always be said about the British royals. Moreover, the Dutch royal family, apart from the Queen who is actually the Queen, all have their own jobs. The royals also do a lot behind the screens for the promotion of Dutch commerce and are indirectly responsible for a substantial amount of money going into the coffers annually.
Do you really think that having a president living in the White House, in a system that requires an election every four years is much cheaper?

[gotcha-2095]

Why in the 21st Century do we still have Kings and Queens?

[HM8432]

Probably for the best; Elizabeth will most likely outlive Charles anyway. The women of the Winsdor family live forever it seems...Oh wait, this article is about Beatrix who?