A balcony without Beatrix

The ceremonial of the Dutch opening of parliament has come to an end and for the first time in decades, the traditional balcony appearance has taken place without the presence of Princess Beatrix.  The former queen, who abdicated in April this year, wasn't present as the new king waved from the balcony.  With him were his queen consort, Maxima, and his brother, Constantijn, along with his wife, Laurentien.  And there was no free day off from school for Willem's heiress, Catharina-Amalia, or her sisters.  It looks like they'll have to wait a few more years before they get to go to this particular state event.

 

 

The first balcony appearance in The Hague for decades which hasn't featured Princess Beatrix