Dutch Royal Family Participates in Queen’s Day Entertainment

The Dutch Royal Family partook of the festivities of Queen’s Day in the province of Fryslân today. They were welcomed in the towns of Makkum and Franeker. Amongst the many activities, Queen Beatrix took a turn with a dancer in Makkum and the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands rollerbladed in Franeker. Within the tradition of celebrating Queen’s Day, the official holiday is set to the reigning monarch birthday. Notwithstanding, Beatrix decided to honour her mother’s birthday, the former Queen Juliana, by keeping Queen’s Day on April 30th instead of moving it to her birth date January 31st.
Photos: ANP/Vincent Jannink, ANP/Robin Utrecht

70th Birthday for Queen Beatrix

Tomorrow, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands celebrates her 70th birthday. Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, Princess of Orange-Nassau and Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld was born at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn on January 31, 1938.

Princess Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg on March 10, 1966. Upon his marriage, Claus received the title Prince of the Netherlands. Prince Claus passed away on October 6, 2002. She and Claus were married thirty-six years.

Princess Beatrix gave birth to three sons: Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince Johan Friso and Prince Constantijn. Her children have blessed her with eight grandchildren: Eloise, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Claus-Casimir, Emma Luana, Princess Alexia, Leonore, Joanna Zaria and Princess Ariane.

Beatrix became Queen of the Netherlands on April 30, 1980 when Queen Juliana abdicated on her 71st birthday.

Queen Beatrix favourite pastimes are sculpting, riding and sailing. She plays tennis and skis.

For those wishing to extend birthday salutations to Queen Beatrix (sorry, it is in Dutch only), visit the Dutch Royal House website.

Photos: RVD

Willem-Alexander's 40th Birthday Celebration

A sumptuous 40th birthday celebration is planned for The Prince of Orange. He will be hosting a reception, Saturday, September 1st at the Paleis het Loo in Apeldoorn.

Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was born on April 27, 1967 at the University Hospital, Utrecht. He received the title Prince of Orange on April 30, 1980 when his mother, Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, ascended the throne upon abdication of her mother, Queen Juliana on her 71st birthday.

The prince married Máxima Zorreguieta on February 2, 2002. He resides with Máxima and their three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane at the Villa Eikenhorst on the De Horsten estate in Wassenaar.

The prince holds many public appointments. He is a member of the International Olympic Committee, Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation and Aide-de-Camp Extraordinary to Her Majesty the Queen.

He completed his military service in the Royal Netherlands Navy. He also received instruction in the Royal Netherlands Army and Air Force at the Netherlands Defence College. He holds the ranks of Commodore in the Royal Netherlands Navy reserve, Brigadier General in the Royal Netherlands Army reserve and Commodore in the Royal Netherlands Air Force reserve.

Willem-Alexander is an accomplished pilot. He obtained his first pilot's license in 1985. He is licensed to fly private, military and commercial aircraft.

Lastly, the prince has a fervor for sports. Some of his favorite pastimes include tennis, golf, skiing, riding and sailing. Being a man of action, he also loves running, rock climbing, skating and diving.

Photo: Jeroen van der Meyde