query: Do the Dutch still have a monarchy?
passage: Monarchy of the Netherlands
On April 30, 2013 Queen Beatrix, abdicated in favour of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander.
passage: Monarchy of the Netherlands
As with most monarchies, the Netherlands cannot be without a monarch — the constitution of the Netherlands does not recognize a situation in which there is no monarch. This is because there must be a head of state in order for the government to function, i.e. there must be someone who carries out the tasks of the constitutional role of the King/Queen. For this reason the new monarch assumes the role the moment the previous monarch ceases to hold the throne. The only exception is if there is no heir at all, in which case the Council of State assumes the role of the monarch pending the appointment of a monarch or regent.[Cons 10]