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Tomorrow, 46-year-old Willem Alexander is set to take over the throne of the Netherlands from his mother, Queen Beatrix.
For Belgians, the succession of the Prince of Orange could amount to "a dress rehearsal" in the light of rumours that, "over the last few months, have predicted that Albert II will abdicate in favour of his son Philippe." Commentators have remarked that the king appears tired and that "the prince is eager to rein." However, for the Belgian daily,
the prospect of a political cataclysm in the aftermath of general elections on May 25, 2014, will further complicate a takeover which has already been called into question, notably with regard to Prince Philippe’s capacity to take on the duties of King of Belgium.
At the same time, the differences between the two countries "have added to the complexity of comparing the two successions".
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