Royal Watch News

Prince Charles 'interested' in Dutch abdication

Jan 30, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles has taken a very keen interest in the abdication of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Earlier this week, the 74-year-old Dutch monarch decided to give up the throne after 33 years in favour of her eldest son, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, and Charles - who has been heir-to-the-throne for the majority of his life - is paying a lot of attention to the developments.

A source told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: 'The prince thinks it is a very interesting decision.'

Last year, Charles, 64, spoke of 'running out of time' to take the throne.

He said: 'Impatient? Me? What a thing to suggest. Yes, of course I am. I'll run out of time soon. I shall have snuffed it if I'm not careful.'

However, his mother, Queen Elizabeth, recently announced she has no plans to abdicate as she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee.

She said in a statement: 'In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope that we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness.

'I hope also that this jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with clear head and warm heart as we join together in our celebrations.'