Breaking: Dutch Queen Beatrix to abdicate tonight?

[Earthling]

In her defense, the point back then, and still is nowadays, that you can't blame Maxima for the actions of her father. Her father is guilty, no doubt, but that doesn't make her guilty.
Also, she probably never lied about it.

Mabel on the other hand did all of the bad things herself. She had the wrong contacts, she had an affair with Bruinsma. And she lied about it. That makes it different.

But then, within the Dutch monarchy they have a tendency to pick 'bad' partners.
Wilhelmina's husband Hendrik slept around with almost everyone, rumoured is even with young boys. Bernhard, Juliana's husband, was an old crook. He has several other children and was involved a major corruption scandal. And Claus served in the Hitler jugend during the war, altough he really redeemed himself. So Maxima fits right in with the others.

[Earthling]

So, I suppose the quite young daughter of Willelm-Alexander is becoming the heir presumtive?
Poor her.

No, she will be the heir apparent. In the line of succession boys and girls are equal, so as the oldest child, she will be the first in line. Even if Willem Alexander and Maxima get a son.

[Earthling]

I believe he was already a member before it became mandatory. But still, Beatrix married Claus in 1966, just 20 years after the war. Back then it was a huge scandal. Even 10 years after his death, Claus is probably still the most liked person within the royal family. It was really hard to dislike him.

And I am not even a monarchist to begin with.

[Earthling]

With more than 80% of the people supporting a monarchy its hard to see the Netherlands turning into a republic soon. I rather see a elected President ruling this country, but I know only small minority wants this.

[Earthling]

With more than 80% of the people supporting a monarchy its hard to see the Netherlands turning into a republic soon. I rather see a elected President ruling this country, but I know only small minority wants this.

Most of the 80% are pragmatic monarchists, I guess. The Queen did well, why bother to change?

Because she has no accountability but also no voice. We don't know what she does and or say behind the scenes, but it is well known that she pressured politician to do what she wanted. She has real political influence and uses that influence to get her way. That is fine with an elected leader, but nobody ever voted for her. Or her son.

That is my problem.

Offcourse, a presidential system can have its problems as well. After all, no system is perfect. But a president is the elected representative of the people, a monarch is an anointed one.