( CNN ) -- Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands will abdicate her throne to make way for her son Prince Willem-Alexander . She will formally end her reign on April 30 -- the 33rd anniversary of her coronation . `` This does n't mean that I 'm taking leave from you , '' she said on Monday in a televised speech announcing the decision . `` I still will be able to meet many of you . I am deeply thankful for the faith that you 've had in me ... in all these years that I 've been able to be queen , '' she said . The queen turns 75 on Thursday . She had three children with her husband , Prince Claus , who died in 2002 . The oldest Willem-Alexander will succeed her to the throne . Under the Dutch Constitution the king or queen is head of state but politically neutral . She said Monday : `` I have always considered it as an extraordinary privilege to be able to put a big part of my life at the service of our country and in accordance with my task to add substance to my kingship . `` Prince Claus was a big support for many years . Until today , this beautiful task has given me a lot of satisfaction . It is inspiring to feel close to people , to sympathize in grievances and share times of joy and national pride . '' She added : `` It is with great confidence , that on April 30 this year I will pass my kingship to my son , the Prince of Orange . He and Princess Maxima are fully prepared for their future task . They will serve our country with devotion , faithfully serve the constitution , and with all their talents give substance to their kingship . '' Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said : `` Anyone who has met the Queen will agree that she touched people and helped them forward with her knowledge and experience and her great interest and involvement . '' Read more : Dutch prince suffers brain damage after avalanche .
Queen Beatrix to abdicate , handing throne to Prince Willem-Alexander . She assured Dutch in televised speech : `` I 'm not taking leave from you '' and that she will continue her work as queen until the end of my life. "