Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has handed the throne to her son Prince Willem-Alexander.
The 75-year-old monarch signed the instrument of abdication in Amsterdam after 33 years on the throne.
Willem-Alexander has now become the country’s first king since 1890.
Huge crowds of orange-clad partygoers are in Amsterdam to pay tribute to the popular queen, who has maintained a recent Dutch tradition in handing over to a new generation.
Queen Beatrix announced her intention to stand down in January, saying her son was ready to reign and that it was time for the throne to be held by “a new generation”.
She formally relinquished the throne at a short ceremony in the Royal Palace on Tuesday, signing a statement which read: “I now withdraw from my office of Queen of the Netherlands, and the monarchy will now be transferred to my eldest son, Willem-Alexander.”
About a million visitors were expected in Amsterdam, and street parties are taking place across the nation.
There were huge cheers from the crowds outside, watching on giant screens in Dam Square, as she and the prince and his wife Maxima – a 41-year-old Argentine-born investment banker – signed the abdication deed.
The visibly emotional queen, now Princess Beatrix, told the crowds: “I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new king, Willem-Alexander.”
King Willem-Alexander thanked mother for “33 moving and interesting years”, saying he and the Dutch public and people in Dutch overseas territories were “intensely grateful” to her.
