Christening of Benjamin Van Vollehoven

Benjamin Pieter Floris, son of Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette, was christened yesterday in the chapel of the Paleis Het Loo Nationaal Museum in Apeldoorn. Dr. A. van der Meiden presided over the baptism. Benjamin’s godparents are Prince Floris of Orange-Nassau, Claudine Verhulst-van der Ven, Isabel Schouten-van Eys and Claire Folkerts-Drabbe.

Photo: Frank van Beek

New Portrait of Prince Bernhard’s Family

The Dutch Royal House released a new portrait of Prince Bernhard and his family. Benjamin is now five months old. He was born on March 12th. Isabella, the eldest, turned six years old on May 14th and middle sibling, Samuel, reached his fourth birthday on May 25th. Prince Bernhard is the second son of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and prof. mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven. Bernhard and Annette celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary on July 8th.

Photo: Frank van Beek

Prince Constantijn Awards World Press Photo of the Year

As patron of World Press Photo, a post previously held by his grandfather, Prince Bernhard, Prince Constantijn presented British photo journalist Tim Hetherington with the World Press Photo of the Year 2007 prize at the World Press Photo awards ceremony yesterday. The reward was 10,000 Euros and a new camera.

Below is some text from Prince Constantijn’s speech at the World Press Photo awards.

"In 2008 WPP decided it needed a patron. I must admit, my initial reaction was to be a little embarrassed that this esteemed organisation would turn to me for support. So as the chairman did today, I asked the question: Why? WPP replied with a counter question (after all, they are journalists…): Why not, and on what ground would you accept? As I intend to remain patron for some years to come, I thought you might want to know right from the start what I replied and thus what my reasons were for accepting."

"First and foremost, the WPP is one of the most powerful global advocates of free speech and freedom of the press. What words and print cannot express, the photographed image can convey. Pictures presenting the hard facts, the subtle emotions, the contrasts and hypocrisies to a global audience have changed history. The World Press Photo Awards celebrate those photo journalists who have often risked their lives to tell us these stories. And the travelling WPP exhibitions tell them to unexpected constituencies in unexpected parts of the world."

Prince Constantijn’s entire speech from the World Press Photo awards can be read here.

For more information on World Press Photo, visit the official website.

Photo: ANP/EPA, Marcel Antonisse

Prince Bernhard Recuperates from Intestine Surgery

A few weeks ago, Prince Bernhard presented his newborn son, Benjamin, to the media at the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis. Yesterday, though, he was in the hospital for his own health issue. He is recuperating at the Academisch Medisch Centrum in Amsterdam following surgery on his intestine for a benign narrowing. Prof.dr. W.A. Bemelman performed the surgery and prof.dr. J.F. Bartelsman is his attending physician.The prince will remain in the hospital for about a week.

Prince Bernhard Presents His Son Benjamin

Prince Bernhard, son of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, presented his son Benjamin today. Princess Annette gave birth to Benjamin Pieter Floris on March 12th at the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis in Amsterdam. Benjamin is the third child for Bernhard and Annette. The names of their other children are Isabella and Samuel.

Photo: Frank van Beek

Princess Annette Gives Birth to Her Third Child

The Dutch Royal House has announced that Princess Annette, wife of Prince Bernhard, gave birth to a son this morning. Benjamin Pieter Floris van Vollenhoven was born at 8:30 am (local time) at the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis in Amsterdam. He weighed 3250 grams (7.16 lbs). Benjamin is the eighth grandchild for Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and prof. mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven.

Photo: Ruud Taal

Princess Annette Expecting Third Child

The Dutch Royal House has announced that Princess Annette and Prince Bernhard are expecting their third child.The predicted date is March 2008. The princess is the daughter-in-law of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and professor mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven. Annette and Bernhard have one daughter and one son. Isabella Lily Juliana is five years old and Samuel Bernhard Louis is three years old.

Photo: ANP

Speeding Traffic Violation Committed by Princess Annette

On August 31st, Princess Annette, wife of Prince Bernhard, was stopped for speeding in Uddel. She was driving 155 km/hour in an 80km/hour zone. Her license was temporarily suspended for the violation. The matter will be resolved by the justice of the peace in the district of Zutphen.