BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has signed a formal act of abdication, leaving the throne to her son, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander. A ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.

Queen Beatrix has chosen the country’s national holiday known as Queen’s Day, to step down. During her 33 years' reign, Beatrix was widely acclaimed and admired by the Dutch people. She announced her plan to abdicate in January, and intention to hand over the throne to her eldest son. She said it was time for a new generation to lead. In her final address, Beatrix thanked her people and urged them to support her son, who is set to become the first Dutch king in more than 120 years.

(Source: CNTV.cn)