Former Dutch Queen Beatrix undergoes surgery after fall

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (BNO NEWS) -- Dutch Princess Beatrix, who abdicated the throne earlier this year after more than three decades as head of state, underwent surgery on Sunday after breaking a cheekbone during a fall, the government said, adding that she will remain hospitalized for several days.

The Ministry of General Affairs said Beatrix, who is 75, broke a cheekbone during a fall in domestic environment, but did not say when or where the accident occurred. "She was operated on this morning and is expected to remain in hospital for several days," the ministry said, without disclosing the name of the hospital.

The former queen, who was given the title of princess after her abdication, will continue her recovery at Huis ten Bosch royal palace in The Hague after being discharged from hospital. "The consequences for official duties and other appointments will be determined on a case-by-case basis," the ministry said.

Beatrix abdicated as queen on April 30, allowing her eldest son Willem-Alexander to become the kingdom's first king since William III ruled the Netherlands from 1849 until 1890. The monarch said she chose to abdicate after 33 years on the throne to allow a new generation to take over.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of the Netherlands in Western Europe and the countries Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten in the Caribbean.

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