Netherlands counts down to royal handover

Willem-Alexander and his future queen Maxima,

Today is officially Queen's Day in the Netherlands, and this year's party will be about celebrating the arrival of the nation's new 46-year-old King and the abdication of his 75-year-old mother, who is retiring after 33 years in the job.

On Monday, Willem-Alexander, his future queen Maxima, and their three young daughters arrived to cheers from onlookers and press at Amsterdam's Nieuwe Kerk for a final dress rehearsal.

The 600-year-old church will be the scene of Willem-Alexander's investiture, which will become official once his mother signs her abdication at 11am local time (5:00am EST).

Following this, the new King, his wife and the former queen, who will become a princess once again, will appear on the palace balcony to wave and address the crowds in Dam Square.

They will then head from the palace to the 600-year-old Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church, next door where the King will swear an oath to uphold the Dutch constitution before lawmakers.

Today's ceremonies will be attended by those waiting in line for thrones around the world, including Britain's Prince Charles, Spain's Prince Felipe and Japan's Prince Naruhito and his wife Crown Princess Masako, who is on her first trip abroad in nearly seven years.

Nearly 1 million people are expected to join the street party with dancing, bands and DJs helping create a carnival atmosphere.

Read more: Netherlands counts down to royal handover - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)