On 17 April 2013, Willem-Alexander revealed in an interview that Queen Beatrix had previously informed Prime Minister Mark Rutte of her intention to abdicate the throne, which initiated talks on how and when to do this.

The delegation consisted of aids carrying both the Charter and Constitution which were placed on the credence table in the front of the throne, Delegation: then came the Sword of state that represents the King's authority; carried by the then Chief of Defence General Tom Middendorp, the gonfalon of state, a white banner bearing the 1815 coat of arms of the Netherlands symbolizing the Kingdom of the Netherlands; was carried by the Inspector-General of the Dutch Armed Forces, Air Force general Tom van Ede.

For the ceremony the King chose to don underneath the royal mantle evening dress as opposed to a military uniform.

The throne consisted out of two luxurious chairs from Het Loo Palace that were a gift to Queen Wilhelmina from the residents of Amsterdam.

Arriving at the Nieuwe Kerk, the royal couple was escorted by a special delegation that included the Chairwoman of the House of Representatives, four members of the States General and the Chamberlain of the senate to their seats.

While he was performing live together with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in the Amsterdam Harbor on Java-eiland, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and their three daughters made an unplanned visit on stage.