国际英语新闻:"Farewell Queen, long live the King"

AMSTERDAM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Dutch Queen Beatrix abdicated on Tuesday, with her eldest son Willem-Alexander being inaugurated as new King during a day of traditions and festivities in Amsterdam.

After the Queen gave a short address at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam on Tuesday morning the abdication document was read out in presence of members of the Royal Family, the Presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Council of Ministers and the Kingdom's governors and prime-ministers of Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten.

Beatrix signed the document, which automatically meant her 46-year-old eldest son Prince Willem-Alexander became the new King. After the ceremony Beatrix, who now will be called Princess again, King Willem-Alexander, his wife Queen Maxima moved to the balcony of the Royal Palace, where the outgoing Queen and the new King addressed the gathered audience at Dam Square.

"Several moments ago I waived the throne and I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new King Willem-Alexander," said Beatrix in front of 25,000 spectators at Dam square. "Dear mother," Willem-Alexander added. "We are intensely grateful for the past 33 years." The new heir of the Throne Princess Amalia of Orange, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane joined their parents at the balcony.

King Willem-Alexander became the fourth King in Dutch history and the first since Willem III died in 1890. During two hundred years of monarchy the Dutch had as their Kings Willem I, II and III, a regent Emma and as Queens Wilhelmina, Juliana and Beatrix.

In the afternoon the abdication ceremony was followed by the investiture ceremony at De Nieuwe Kerk church. After all the international guests, the members of the States-General, the royal family and now Princess Beatrix had entered the church the new King Willem-Alexander came in, wearing a tail coat with white tie under the royal mantle, accompanied by his wife Queen Maxima. His entrance was followed by the singing of the Dutch national anthem Wilhelmus.

Sitting on the throne, Willem-Alexander gave a speech to the attendees in which he emphasized on the tradition of the Dutch monarchy as part of the Dutch parliamentary history for two hundred years and the "reciprocal responsibilities" of the people, the parliament and the King. "Taking the oath confirms that indissoluble bond, enshrined in the constitution and the statute of the Kingdom," said Willem-Alexander.

After a huge applause by the attendees for his mother Beatrix Willem-Alexander continued by saying that the monarchy should be "a symbol of togetherness". He called on the Dutch people to cooperate in a time "where many people in the Kingdom feel insecure and vulnerable".

"I want to establish ties, make connections and exemplify what unites us, the Dutch people, and not only in times of great joy or deep sorrow," he added. "Thus, as King, I can strengthen the bond of mutual trust between the people and their government, maintain our democracy and serve the public interest."

After his speech Willem-Alexander swore to be faithful to the Dutch constitution and to faithfully discharge the duties of his office. In addition, the members of the two Houses of parliament and the States of Aruba, Curacao and St Maarten were also able to swear or affirm.

When the inauguration was finished, the President of the Senate Fred De Graaf shouted: "Long Live The King", followed by three times "Hurray" by the attendees. This procedure was repeated outside the church in front of the audience.

Tuesday's inauguration was the last of the official ceremonies of the day and the program for the rest of the day contained festivities, including a special boat trip on the river IJ in Amsterdam with the new King and Queen. At several places along the route of the water pageant with their daughters they will be treated to a festive program. The day will be finished with a celebration, hosted by Prime Minister Mark Rutte on behalf of the Council of Ministers for the Kingdom.