Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands (Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard; born 31 January 1938) is the former Queen regnant of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. She reigned from 1980 to 2013.
Beatrix is the eldest daughter of Queen Juliana and her husband, Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld. In 1948, she became heiress presumptive to the throne of the Netherlands. Her mother abdicated (gave up) the throne on 30 April 1980. Beatrix succeeded her as queen.
In January 2013, Beatrix announced that she would abdicate on 30 April 2013. This day is known as Koninginnedag (Queen's Day). Her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, succeeded to the throne as King. He is the first King of the Netherlands in 123 years.
Since her abdication, she is called Princess Beatrix.
Family
Beatrix was married to Claus von Amsberg, who died in 2002. Her sons are King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau and Prince Constantijn.
Her second son, Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau, died on 12 August 2013. He had been in a coma for more than a year because of a skiing accident in Austria in February 2012.
Her younger sister Christina died of bone cancer on 16 August 2019.
Titles
31 January 1938-30 April 1980 Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix Wilhelmine Armgard of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld
30 April 1980-30 April 2013 Her Majesty The Queen of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld
30 April 2013-present Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix Wilhelmine Armgard of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld