Queen Beatrix

Queen Beatrix

A national celebration in honour of Netherlands' Queen Beatrix has been postponed.

The former Dutch monarch - who abdicated the throne earlier this year after 33-year reign - was due to be honoured with a big party on September 14, however, it has now been postponed until 2014 following the death of her son Prince Friso on August 12.

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

The Dutch prince had been in a comatose state for nearly 18 months after being trapped under an avalanche while skiing in Lech, Austria, in February 2012.

He passed away earlier this month and was buried last week.

Queen Beatrix abdicated the throne on April 30, paving the way for her son Willem-Alexander to become the new king of the Netherlands.

Addressing her nation, she said at the time: "I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new king, Willem-Alexander."

Among the guests who attended the abdication were Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Duchess Camilla.