Water and sanitation is a well-versed subject for the Prince of Orange. He recently addressed the World Toliet Summit in New Delhi, India to champion the causes for clean water and adequate sanitation. “In this campaign we will have to reinforce the global awareness of the importance of sanitation and personal hygiene to all. Policymakers are usually not faced with the horrors of lacking sanitation in their personal surroundings, so we will have to keep on reminding them what it is all about,” said the prince.
Besides his work with the United Nations Advisory Board of Water and Sanitation, the prince has been fulfilling his role as ambassador for his country. Before attending the summit, Willem-Alexander was in India and Bhutan for official tours to enhance diplomatic relations and economic ties.
The Prince of Orange’s entire speech at the World Toliet Summit can be read here.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Dutch Prince Champions Water and Sanitation Causes
Sunday, August 19, 2007
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
