In the Netherlands, today is Koninginnedag, the official celebration of the Queen’s birthday, if not the actual birthday of the woman who is currently queen. Or rather, was queen. Today, Queen Beatrice abdicated the throne at the age of 75, after a 33-year reign.
In a year that’s seen the almost unprecedented resignation of a pope and violent ends to the reigns if not the lives of some long-running despots, I have to wonder why more leaders – in business as well as politics – don’t make graceful, controlled exits and enjoy some retirement. Yeah, I’m looking at you, Mrs. Windsor.