Guess What? Queen Beatrix

Guess What? Queen Beatrix

A Dutch animal protection group has fired Queen Beatrix as its patron because she refuses to ban hunting deer and wild boar on the royal estates.

The association voted to dismiss the reigning monarch at its annual general meeting on Saturday, ending a relationship with the royal family dating from its establishment in 1864 during the reign of King Willem III.

The Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals said the decision, supported by 55 percent of its members, had nothing to do with the small republican movement that wants to end the monarchy.

"The fact that hunting for fun is still allowed on the royal estates, with members of the royal house participating, can no longer be reconciled with our goals. The queen should set the right example," said spokeswoman Elly von Jessen.

The royal house said it was the first time Queen Beatrix had been involuntarily removed from a position of patronage. A spokesman said the queen is patron to about 80 other associations, which allows them to use her name for promotional matters.

The animal protection society said it had asked the queen several times to forbid hunting in the eastern Veluwe woods. Among the hunters is Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, the heir to the throne.

A government bill forbidding this manner of hunting was enacted by Parliament in February and will take effect within a few months. The law also will apply to the royal estates. (AP)