Queen Beatrix (L) and Prince Friso's widow, Princess Mabel, of The Netherlands

Queen Beatrix (L) and Prince Friso's widow, Princess Mabel, of The Netherlands

Princess Beatrix put on a brave face as she made her first public appearance since the death of Prince Friso on Wednesday (28.08.13).

The former monarch - who abdicated in favour of her son, King Willem- Alexander in April - attended a concert by the European Youth Orchestra in Amsterdam where she smiled and laughed with attendees.

It is the first time she has made a public appearance since the funeral of her second son, who was laid to rest on August 16, after over a year in a coma following a skiing accident, which left him with severe brain injuries.

The Princess - in a black dress as she is still mourning - accepted a pretty bunch of flowers and interacted genially with other guests at the event.

The entire Dutch royal family turned out to pay tribute to Friso when he passed away, and was laid to rest in the churchyard of the Stulpkerk in the village of Lage Vuursche. A national celebration in honour of Beatrix and her service to her country has also been postponed from September 14 until 2014 because of the Prince's passing.

The committee organising the event said: "It would be inappropriate to have this celebration so short after the passing of Prince Friso."