[The Netherlands] Prince Albert of Monaco joins King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at Het Loo Palace.

It wasn't hard to guess what the main topic of conversation was likely to have been as Prince Albert of Monaco joined the Dutch royal family for dinner. After the happy announcement he is to welcome his first child with Princess Charlene, congratulations were surely on the menu – as well as a few parenting tips – from his hosts. The principality leader's sunny disposition was hard to miss as he arrived at the Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. He was welcomed warmly by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima – who kissed him on the cheek. The Argentine-born royal was resplendent in a one-shouldered gown in vibrant green, and accesorised with gold shoes, a silver clutch and a glittering tiara. As parents-of-three, Maxima and Willem-Alexander no doubt had plenty of parenting advice for father-to-be Albert. But the tips would be particularly pertinent if the forthcoming arrival turns out to be a pink bundle of joy – since the couple's brood is made up entirely of girls; ten-year-old Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia, eight and seven-year-old Ariane. There's no word on whether Charlene is expecting a baby girl or boy. All that is known is that the new arrival is expected at the end of the year. The baby won't be short on playmates after a recent baby boom in the Grimaldi family. Prince Albert's niece, Charlotte Casiraghi, welcomed a baby boy, named Rafaël, in December 2013 with French comedy actor Gad Elmaleh. The Monagasque royal's nephew Andrea Casiraghi also welcomed a little boy earlier that year. Little Sacha is Andrea's first child with Colombian heiress Tatiana Santo Domingo.

 

photo from Palais Princier's Facebook page.

Article from Hello Magazine.

Dutch Prince Johan Friso fighting for his life after avalanche accident

Prince Friso of the Netherlands is fighting for his life in a coma after being buried under an avalanche in Austria.

Doctors have said they will not be able to say before the end of the week if he will live or die.

Friso was trapped under the snow for 15 minutes on Friday while ski-ing off piste in the resort of Lech – where the Dutch royals traditionally take their winter break.

The 43-year-old, who was visited in hospital on Sunday by his mother Queen Beatrix and wife Princess Mabel – has been unconscious ever since he was airlifted to safety.

Officials said Prince Friso – pictured with Mabel and their daughters Luana, seven, and Zaria, five – is stable, but in a critical condition.

Prince Friso's skiing companion has been questioned over the avalanche, say prosecutors.

The 42-year-old friend, who Dutch media have identified as the director of the hotel where the royals are staying, has been questioned by police.

A routine investigation has been opened, and may last several weeks.

Friso's companion, who is also a childhood friend, escaped injury thanks to an avalanche airbag – which inflates to keep skiers at the top of the snowfall.


(thank you Marcia for the corrections)

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Queen Beatrix, Prince Willem-Alexander & Princess Maxima in Middle-East trip to UAE & Oman

This caption stirred a row in the Netherlands, for the fact the Queen and Princess Maxima used veils in a sacred place. No comments.

On January 8th, Queen Beatrix accompanied by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife, Princess Máxima, and a delegation of business leaders visited the UAE, invited by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was the Queen’s fiftieth state visit since she was crowned in 1980.


On January 10th, the Queen and her entourage traveled on to Oman at the invitation of Sultan Qaboos. A prior state visit, planned in March, was called off in view of the ongoing pro-democracy demonstrations and the violent crackdown by Oman’s authorities. The Dutch parliament cancelled the state visit after two demonstrators died in clashes with Omani security forces in February. Dutch MPs did not want the state visit to be seen as endorsing the regime. In a surprise move, Queen Beatrix travelled to Oman after all, arguing her tip had been downgraded to a private visit.


Sultan Qaboos is Oman’s head of state, prime minister, defence minister, foreign minister and the head of the armed forces. The country has no legal political parties.


The UAE is a federation of seven absolute monarchies. The Federal National Council consists of 40 members drawn from all the emirates. Half are appointed by the emirates’ rulers, and the other half are indirectly elected to serve two-year terms.The first indirect elections took place in 2006.

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[The Netherlands] Queen Beatrix hosts dinner for Mali's president, Amadou Toumani Toure and his wife

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December 2nd, 2011 - Official photo of President of Mali, Amadou Toumani Touré and and Mrs Touré Lobbo Traoré with Queen Beatrix, Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima. The President was in the Netherlands for a 3 day official visit in The Netherlands

[The Netherlands] Princess Maxima's 40th royal birthday concert - all the guests together

On the far left, we can see Princess Christina and Princess Irene, Queen Beatrix sisters. On the far right, another of the Queen's sisters, Princess Margriet.

On the third row, we can see Maxima's sisters-in-law, Princess Laurentien and Princess Mabel, Princes Constantijn and Friso's wives respectively. 

[The Netherlands] Princess Maxima's 40th royal birthday concert

It was Princess Maxima's birthday last month so she gathered her best royal friends to celebrate her 40th birthday in a concert on May 28th.

In a speech during the event, she thanked her mother-in-law, Queen Beatrix, and her husband, Prince Willem-Alexander, for their support

She looked dashing in orange. Goes perfectly with her skin tone.

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[When they were young] Beatrix when she was still a Princess with Akihito when he was not yet an Emperor

October 1979: Princess Beatrix, Prince Akihito, Queen Juliana, Princess Michiko and Prince Claus.

1 - Oh Bea, you didn't change a bit!

2 - I didn't know Prince Claus was that tall! Was he?

3 - Michiko was absolutely stunning! A true flower!

Queen Juliana abdicated six months after this photo. Beatrix became Queen at age 42. Akihito became Emperor nine years later, in 1989, at 54-years-old.

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[The Netherlands] Exhibition celebrates Princess Maxima's Ten Years in the country [VIDEO]

The exhibition Princess MÁXIMA, 10 years in the Netherlands will be on open at Paleis Het Loo from May 8th to September 4th, 2011. This unique exhibition will be highlighting the princess’s place in the royal family alongside the diverse social activities that Princess Máxima has undertaken during the past decade in Dutch society.

Princess Máxima has been living in the Netherlands now for a decade. As a wife and mother she has her role in the succession of the dynasty but she has also made an indelible mark on Dutch society and beyond through her intensive and accomplished work. Film and photographs of all the different roles Princess Máxima fulfils will be part of the exhibition. The princess has acquired a significant position in Dutch society.

The first official introduction of the Dutch people to the princess, namely the announcement of her engagement to Prince Willem-Alexander on television in 2001, is at the same time the start of the exhibition. Next comes the couple’s tour of the country to introduce the princess to the people of the twelve Dutch provinces. In 2002 came the wedding and then the christening of Princess Amalia. As wife of the Prince of Orange she is present at the annual state opening of parliament, the celebration of the Queen’s official birthday, state visits and special ceremonies at other foreign royal courts. Together the royal couple take part in official foreign visits and represent the Netherlands at major international events such as the Olympic Games.

Princess Máxima has a variety of social commitments. As patron of the Oranje Fonds charity, organisation she is closely involved in activities such as community work, buddy projects and promoting better prospects for young people. As honorary chair of the national partnership 'Centiq, Wiser in Money Matters', the princess seeks to draw particular attention to the importance for young people of learning about financial matters and how to deal with money. For years the princess has devoted her efforts at home and abroad to better access to financial services for all, some of them on behalf of the United Nations. She sees the promotion of entrepreneurship as an instrument for participation and economic self-reliance and dignity.

Princess Máxima always carefully matches her attire to the occasion. Some of her elegant outfits, reflecting her own stylish taste, will be on view during the exhibition including her magnificent wedding dress by the designer Valentino, some examples of ceremonial dress but also creations that she has worn for activities on all kinds of occasions.

I love when Maxima does her "be right back at you in one minute". Gotta love her!

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Koninginnedag: the Netherlands celebrate Queen's Day and so does her family

The Netherlands celebrates its Queen’s Day on April 30th. Locally known as Koninginnedag, Queen’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the Netherlands, its history can be traced back to the birthday of Princess Wilhelmina on August 31, 1885. After 1949, the date was changed to reflect Queen Juliana’s birthday on April 30. Though the birthday of the reigning monarch, Queen Beatrix, is on January 31, she officially celebrates the Queen’s Birthday, on April 30 as a tribute to her mother Queen Juliana, and because of the weather in January which limits the traditional outdoor activities. Festivities in the country are very lively, especially in the country’s capital, Amsterdam.

The holiday is famous for its “freemarket” activities all over the country in which people sell goods in the streets. Concerts and musical performances are held. The largest celebrations are in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. People usually dress in orange, the color of the House of Orange-Nassau. Children’s games are very popular during this holiday because this day is also the last day of the summer vacation.

During the celebration, rather than receiving people at her residence, Queen Beatrix visits one or two places in the Netherlands where she is welcomed with cultural dances and old crafts demonstrations. This year, the visited the cities of Thorn and Weert, in Limburg. More than 100 000 people joined her and her family. Were present the Heir to the Throne, Prince Willem-Alexander, his wife, Princess Maxima, her son Prince Constantijn, his wife Princess Laurentien, her nephews Prince Floris and Prince Maurits and their wives.

Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima had just arrived from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in London. Obviously, from the photos, we can see that the Crown Couple out shined the Queen and were the center of attentions. In fact, after a national survey, it was stated that 6 out of 10 Dutch want the Queen to resign for her son. There are rumors she will do so in 2013.

  

Princess Maxima with Princess Marilène, Prince Maurits' wife.

In the photo: Prince Constantijn, Prince Maurits, Princess Laurentien, Princess Marilene, Princess Aimée, Princess Maxima, Prince Willem-Alexander and Queen Beatrix on far right.

Isn't the family of Orange-Nassau the funniest in European Royalty?

We can see Prince Floris on the far right of the picture.

"If you like her then you should put a ring on it"

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Funny to see Princess Laurentien dancing a little!

Royal weddings from the past - Queen Beatrix and Consort Prince Claus (1966)

Princess Beatrix married Claus van Amsberg on March 10th, 1966. To know more about their controversial engagement, click here.

[The Netherlands] [VIDEO] The controversial engagement of Princess Beatrix and Claus van Amsberg (1965)

The announcement in July 1965 of the engagement of Princess Beatrix, heir to the throne, to a German diplomat, Claus von Amsberg stirred great controversy in the Netherlands. The future husband of the future Queen had been a member of the Nazi Wehrmacht and the Hitler Youth movement. Many angry Dutch citizens demonstrated in the streets, and held rallies and marches against the "traitorous" affair. While this time upset citizens did not call for Queen Juliana's abdication because the true object of their wrath, Princess Beatrix, would then be Queen, they did start to question the value of having a monarchy at all. After attempting to have the marriage cancelled, Queen Juliana acquiesced and the marriage took place in 1966 under a continued storm of protest and an almost certain attitude pervaded the country that Princess Beatrix might be the last member of the House of Orange to ever reign in the Netherlands.

In the video, we can see Queen Juliana speaking, in presence of her husband, Consort Prince Bernhard and the newly engaged couple. And no, young Beatrix never changed her hairstyle ever since. A photo-call followed and we get to see her three sisters, Princess Irene, Princess Margriet and Princess Christina.

[The Netherlands] [VIDEO] The emotional engagement of Prince Willem-Alexander to Maxima Zorreguieta (2001)

Máxima Zorreguieta met the heir to the Dutch throne, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, in April 1999 in Sevilla, Spain, during the Seville Spring Fair, also known as the "Feria de Abril de Sevilla." This is an important annual event, to which many people from other countries come and dress in typical Spanish Andalusian costume. In an interview, they stated that he introduced himself only as "Alexander," so that she did not know he was a prince. She thought he was joking when he told her he was a Prince. They agreed to meet in New York, where Máxima was working for Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, two weeks later. Their relationship apparently began in New York, but the Princess did not meet the Prince's parents, Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus, for some time.

The couple announced their engagement on March 30th, 2001 after receiving approval from the Dutch parliament (necessary by law for the Prince of Orange to remain heir to the throne). Princess Máxima addressed the nation in fluent Dutch during the directly televised broadcast on the occasion of the engagement. We can hereby see her speaking, after Queen Beatrix and Consort Prince Claus von Amsberg (who was quite ill at the time) addressed the nation.

Princess Máxima and Prince Willem-Alexander were married on February 2nd, 2002 in a civil ceremony in the Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam which was then followed by a religious ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk. They have three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane as of today.

Dutch Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Mark Rutte remember shooting victims

Dutch Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Mark Rutte were among those paying tribute on Wednesday to the victims of a shopping centre shooting in which six people were killed earlier this month.

"They are with us today. We are commemorating them with our deepest respect," Rutte said at the sombre ceremony at a theatre in the town of Alphen aan de Rijn shown on Dutch public television NOS.

"Today, flags are flying half-mast all around the Netherlands. You are not alone," Rutte told some 750 people including victims' relatives, those injured in the shooting, rescue workers and police officers involved.

Six people died and at least 10 others were injured when Tristan van der Vlis, 24, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle on shoppers in the mall in the western Dutch town on April 9. Van der Vlis then committed suicide.

Queen Beatrix, Prince Willem-Alexander and several Dutch ministers attended the ceremony at the theatre.

There, six bunches of white roses rested on top of makeshift tombstones bearing the names of the dead.

"After April 9 it will never be the same," said Alphen aan de Rijn's interim mayor, Bas Eenhoorn.

"But it's not only about sadness, it's also about being strong together," he added.

The ceremony was also followed on big screens by hundreds of residents outside the theatre, at the town hall and at a church in Alphen aan de Rijn, according to the Dutch news agency ANP.

On April 10, a day after the shooting, between 5,000 and 6,000 people joined the prime minister at the shopping centre.

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Dutch royals Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima on official visit to Germany

The weather certainly didn't cooperate as the Netherlands' Crown Princess Maxima began a state visit to Germany in blustery winds and torrential rain.

In fact, her husband Prince Willem-Alexander even joked about it, quipping to his hosts: "What wonderful weather we're having."

With her usual impeccable sense of occasion, Maxima was on dazzling form as she swept up to Berlin's Bellevue Palace, the official residence of President Christian Wulff and his wife Bettina, for an evening banquet.

Argentine-born Maxima was elegant in a floor-length blush-hued gown, her look topped off by a sparkling tiara, diamond earrings and a bracelet.

The charismatic royal couple were supporting Willem’s mother Queen Beatrix as she makes her first official tour in almost three decades, to the homeland of her late husband Prince Claus, a former German diplomat who died in 2002.

Aside from nostalgia, the queen also had another compelling motive for the visit – a desire to see the developments since East and West united in 1990.

And she had an opportunity to find out all about that when she was received the following day by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

from Hellomagazine.com