from our special correspondant in Amsterdam Jacques JOORIS

Willem-Alexander will be the first male king since 1890. Before him, one regent and three queens were on the throne of the Netherlands.

Wilhelmina (1880-1962) was from 1890 till 1948 Queen of the Netherlands. From 1890 till 1998 was there a regent of the Netherlands, the mother of Wilelmina.

Queen Juliana der Nederlanden (1909-2004) was Queen between 1948 and 1980. Then she left for her daughter Beatrix.

Beatrix who resigned some minutes ago was born in 1938. She becqme queen in 1980 till today.