" Crown " JessicaP © 2010. Used under a Creative Commons Attribution license

On 30 April 2013 history will once again be made in the Netherlands, as it will be forever known as the day that Her Majesty the Queen in the Moseszaal of the Royal Palace Amsterdam, abdicated the throne.

Her successor will be His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and the event will take place at precisely 10am. Should you find yourself staying in any nearby Amsterdam hotels. I would certainly suggest that you be a part of the crowd that will stand outside the palace to bear witness to the momentous and historical occasion.

Noteworthy attendees will include the Presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Council of Ministers for the Kingdom and members of the Royal Family. The ceremony will be officially complete once the Queen signs the instrument of abdication, which will then be read aloud by the director of the Queen’s office.

Once the crowning of His Majesty is complete, he alongside Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands will appear on the balcony of the renowned palace. Both Princess Beatrix and the King will give a short address.

Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange and Their Royal Highnesses Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane will then join their parents on the balcony.

Shortly before 2pm, the King and his retinue will proceed to the Nieuwe Kerk.

Upon arrival, swearing in and investiture of the King will take place at a joint session of the two Houses of the States General in the Nieuwe Kerk.

The king will then deliver an address and be officially sworn in. Fred de Graaf, the president of the two houses will also deliver and address and make a solemn declaration after which every member of the States General and the States of Aruba, Curacao and St Maarten swears an oath or makes an affirmation.

To ensure that the entire population of Amsterdam, including many visitors staying in nearby Amsterdam hotels, will all feel as though they are a true part of the celebration, the Prime Minister has announced which members of the National Investiture will be in charge of coordinating various festivities for the occasion.

However, to some degree, all parts of the Kingdom will be involved in the event in order to truly fulfill the royal couple’s express wish for all of the Netherlands to feel as though they are a part of the celebration.

While I cannot say that I have ever had the privilege of attending a royal inauguration I would highly suggest that if you do find yourself in the area that you do not miss this unforgettable occasion.

Amsterdam hotels are filling up quickly for the significant event so if you are interested in attending, I would suggest making a reservation soon. I was informed that the phenomenal Bilderberg hotel has a small amount of availability left.