Queen Beatrix’s decision to hand over the throne to her eldest son may have historical significance, but the actual process and ceremony is very simple. On April 30, she will sign a document – the act of abdication – and Willem-Alexander automatically becomes king, although he still has to be inaugurated. His oldest daughter, Catharina-Amalia, will automatically become first in line to succeed him. Willem-Alexander will be sworn in in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, but it will be a secular rather than a religious ceremony. The inauguration takes the form of a meeting of the upper and lower houses of parliament – as set down in the constitution. This means all members of the lower and upper houses of parliament will be there as will a limited number of other guests. The new king will then swear to be faithful to the constitution and to fulfil his role properly. Source: Dutch News - April 28 2013 http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2013/01/king_willem-alexander_will_hav.php#sthash.5FH9bOZs.dpuf