Princess Beatrix celebrates her 80th birthday

Princess Beatrix is celebrating her 80th birthday today. She will spend the day with her children and grandchildren and have a party with her friends and family in the palace on Dam Square on Saturday, according to government information service Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst.

The Princess has been celebrating her birthday for over a week, receiving her first birthday bouquet at a symposium of interreligious network In Vrijheid Verbonden in Utrecht last week Monday, according to NOS. "Wonderful", Beatrix responded. "You know how much I like to come here, and not only because of the roses!"

Princess Beatrix announced her resignation as Dutch Queen almost five years ago, but stressed that her resignation did not mean her retirement. She stepped down in favor of her son, King Willem-Alexander, in 2014. "I hope that I will still meet many of you often", she said in her farewell speech. And that has indeed been the case. Last year Beatrix attended 28 events, according to NOS.

On Tuesday the Koninklijk Huis released new photos of the Princess, in honor of her 80th birthday. The photos were taken at Drakensteyn palace in Lage Vuursche, where the former Dutch queen has been living since 2014. Those who want to send Princess Beatrix a birthday message, can do so here.