Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is marking the thirtieth anniversary of her accession to the throne on Friday. The 72-year-old monarch is celebrating the jubilee, which coincides with her official birthday, in the southwestern province of Zeeland. It is Beatrix' custom to visit a couple of towns on Queen's Day, taking each of the twelve provinces in turn.

On Friday the royal family first visited the little town of Wemeldinge, known for its exuberant Queen's Day celebrations. Traditionally, the streets there are decorated more lavishly than anywhere else in the province.

Next stop is Middelburg, the provincial capital of Zeeland. One street in the city has been turned into "Oranje Street", named after the royal House of Orange. Historic objects and memorabilia in the street highlight the reigns of Beatrix and her predecessors, her mother Queen Juliana and grandmother Queen Wilhelmina.

Speculations after a 30-year reign
Queen's Day annually prompts speculations about when Queen Beatrix will hand the throne to her son, Prince Willem-Alexander. He will reign as King William IV and be the first male sovereign since William III, who reigned for 41 years (1849 - 1890). Queen Wilhelmina wore the crown for almost 58 years (1890 - 1948), and her daughter Juliana for 31 years, until 1980. Speculation about Queen Beatrix' abdication after a 30-year reign are also fed by her age. At 72 she is the oldest monarch but one that the Netherlands has ever had. Only her great-grandfather William III was older.

Queen's Day is celebrated throughout the country, and has developed into a nationwide street party since the 1980s. The Dutch can explore their individual trading instincts, because all restrictions on street markets are lifted for one day. Cities and villages alike are turned into endless flea markets where children sell their old toys, snack vendors both professional and amateur offer something to eat, and young and budding musicians give their best, hoping for a dime or two from passers-by.

In many cities the party begins on Queen's Eve with pop concerts and dance parties, followed by a hopefully sunny day outside and more often than not, a classical Queen's Day concert to end the festivities. And when it's all over, the municipal cleaners swing into action - with the exception this year of those in the queen's residence of The Hague. They are on strike for better pay and could not be convinced to suspend their action for a day.

Delta province
The province of Zeeland where Her Majesty spent most of Queen's Day 2010 consists of a conglomerate of islands in the Netherlands' southwestern river delta area. Most of the estuaries are protected by dykes to keep the sea at bay, so this was truly a royal visit behind the dykes. RNW's court photographer Fred Vloo sent this picture report.