We have a new King

[PA5COR]

Been watching the telly a bit today watching the Queen abdicate and the installation of Willem Alexander as new King.
http://news.yahoo.com/willem-alexand...081540031.html

Visibly emotional, the much-loved Beatrix ended her 33-year reign as queen in a nationally televised signing ceremony as thousands of orange-clad people cheered outside. Millions more were expected to watch on television.
Just over four hours later, King Willem-Alexander, wearing a fur-trimmed ceremonial mantle, swore an oath of allegiance to his country and the constitution in the historic New Church.
In a speech in the church, Europe's youngest monarch underscored the ceremonial nature of his monarchy in an egalitarian society but also the symbolic and economic value a king can deliver on state visits aimed at drumming up trade.
"I will proudly represent the kingdom and help discover new opportunities," he said.

[N2NH]

Best wishes for you and your country on the crowning of a new monarch.

It is something most Americans cannot fathom.

[NQ6U]

Best wishes for you and your country on the crowning of a new monarch.

It is something most Americans cannot fathom.

Who needs a king when you have a Pope?

—Pope Carlo l

[VE7DCW]

Who needs a king when you have a Pope?

—Pope Carlo l

I think being a Pope would be more exciting

[NQ6U]

No offense intended, Cor, but I liked this quote from the article to which you linked:

Amsterdam resident Inge Bosman, 38, said she doubted Willem-Alexander's investiture would give the country much of an employment boost.

"Well, at least one person got a new job," she said.

[W4GPL]

Congratulations, may he reign with the same longevity and dignity.

[PA5COR]

Typically a republican which lacks any knowledge, yes we have them too ;)
The Queen and now our King travel all over the world, taking with them a large selection of businessmen doing trade in the favorite atmosphere that our Queen and now King always have with other Kingdoms or countries, that delivers more jobs and tax as they ever cost.
But who expects a ( Dutch) republican to look further as his/her nose? i mean come on, facts are ebil and all that :)

[KB3LAZ]

I dont really know much about the royalty in any country. What I do know is that "the need for a king" is a common debate here. It would seem that most think that it is outdated and unnecessary. I would suppose that depends on the role said king or queen serve. IE..how much power or influence do they have and what is it used for. On the other hand, historically, it interests me.

If it is a good thing for you and your countrymen, congratulations. If not, my apologies.

[n6hcm]

What I do know is that "the need for a king" is a common debate here.

while the king in your location was once loved a generation's worth of intransparency has turned the monarchy into a questionable luxury. the scandal at hand at the moment isn't helping.

the last significant scandal to affect the netherlands monarchy dates back to world war ii. they've managed to do what the english (and others) have not. the only real objections to the monarchy in the netherlands are to the cost (a fair gripe, imho) and the idea that, in a society that is otherwise fairly egalitarian, having a monarchy seems out of step with the times.

[KB3LAZ]

while the king in your location was once loved a generation's worth of intransparency has turned the monarchy into a questionable luxury. the scandal at hand at the moment isn't helping.

the last significant scandal to affect the netherlands monarchy dates back to world war ii. they've managed to do what the english (and others) have not. the only real objections to the monarchy in the netherlands are to the cost (a fair gripe, imho) and the idea that, in a society that is otherwise fairly egalitarian, having a monarchy seems out of step with the times.

From what I gather, a lot of people here like the king, as a person. It is the position that they question. Not that many of him really know him personally, they just judge from the impression they get.