MikeLigalig.com

The Netherlands' Queen Beatrix celebrates 30 years on the throne Friday amid a crisis of government that observers say has made her all the more relevant as a unifying figure.

"Beatrix is a symbol of unity. It is her role as queen," Han van Bree, an author on the Dutch royal family, told AFP ahead of the ever-popular queen's landmark anniversary.

"People have a need to know that there is someone who looks after the stability of the country."

Given the collapse of the centre-left government in February in a spat about extending the Netherlands' military presence in Afghanistan, the 72-year-old monarch's retirement ahead of June elections was unlikely, the author said.

While the build-up to last year's annual Queen's Day celebrations was marked by widespread speculation of her abdication, there has been no such talk this year.

"She won't abdicate in such a turbulent time," said Van Bree, especially given the popularity dent recently suffered by crown prince Willem-Alexander, 43. - AFP