The Kingdom of the Netherlands comprises three partner countries: the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles, and Aruba. The Dutch monarch (the King or Queen) is head of state of both the Kingdom of the Netherlands and each of its three partner countries. The current monarch is Queen Beatrix. The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba each have a governor, who represents the monarch. The Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles, and Aruba are equal partners in the Kingdom. This is laid down in the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which sets out the Kingdom's overall system of government.
