Dutch Inauguration: The Investiture Ceremony

The Investiture Ceremony took place at Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam. Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane wore matching blue dresses. Princess Mabel accompined the now, Princess Beatrix, who dressed in a blue dress and hat. Willem-Alexander and Maxima came a bit after them.

Princess Beatrix; Princess Mabel; Princess Alexia; Princess Catharina-Amalia; Princess Ariane

Willem-Alexander wore the, what I like to call it, Dutch Coronation Cloak/Cape (I don't know what it's officially called), he wore a simple black suit, and the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau.

Soon to be King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima

Maxima wore the Mellerio Sapphire Tiara, along with a matching brooch and earrings. She wore a sapphire blue dress, with a matching blue coat over top; both created by Jan Taminiau. She wore the Order of the Netherlands Lion.

Soon to be Queen Maxima wearing the Mellerio Sapphire Tiara and other Sapphire Jewels

The changes to the Dutch Royal Family are now, Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien's children are no longer in the Royal Family. Queen Beatrix is now Princess Beatrix, and is still part of the Royal Family. Willem-Alexander is now King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. Maxima is Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Catharina-Amalia is now, Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange. Princess Margriet's children (the ones that were in the Royal Family) are no longer part of the Royal Family.

Photos: MyRoyals

Dutch Inauguration: The Abdication Ceremony

The day started off with Abdication Ceremony of Queen Beatrix. It was held at the Royal Palace. Princess Mabel, Princess Laurentien, Prince Constantijn, Princess Ariane, Princess Alexia, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Margriet, Professor Pieter, (maybe a few more royals) were in attendance for the ceremony.

Photos: MyRoyals

The Life of: Prince Willem-Alexander

Tomorrow is the day that Prince Willem-Alexander becomes the King of the Netherlands. It's a big deal. I've even seen two commercials that were talking about that while I was watching "Touch". So... It truly is a big deal.

Prince Willem-Alexander was born on April 27, 1967 as Prince Willem-Alexander Claus George erdinand. He was born to Prince Claus of the Netherlands and then, Beatrix, Princess of Orange. Willem-Alexander has two younger brothers, Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau (b. 1968) and Prince Constantijn (b. 1969).

Prince Willem-Alexander attended Niuewe Baarnse Elementary School in Baarn from 1973 to 1979. He attended three different high schools. After school, he went into the military service. He performed it at the Royal Netherlands Navy from August of 1985 to January of 1987. He got his training at the Royal Netherlands Naval College and the frigates HNLMS Tromp and HNLMS Abraham Crijnssen where he was an ensign. In 1988, he received additional training at the ship of HNLMS Van Kinsbergen and became a lieutenant (junior grade). In 1987, Willem-Alexander studied history at Leiden University and received his academic degree in 1993.

Since 1985, when Willem-Alexander was 18, he is a member of the Council of State of the Netherlands. Willem-Alexander was named a patron of the Dutch Olympic Games Committe. Until 1998, when he was named a member of the IOC (International Olympic Committee). Willem-Alexander is passionate abut having the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Amsterdam.

Willem-Alexander went to the Seville Spring Fair in Seville, Spain in 1999. While there, he met Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti. When they first met, he introduced himself as just "Alexander." Willem-Alexander and Máxima became more serious and Willem-Alexander revealed himself as a prince. Maxima replied saying, "Yeah right."

On March 30 2001 - Queen Beatrix as well as the prime minister of the Netherlands happily announced their engagement. Willem-Alexander present Máxima with an orange oval diamond with two smaller wife diamonds surrounding it.

Royal couples always need to seek approval from thier parliament to marry their fiance or fiancee, unless you no longer want to be part of the line of succession. The Dutch Parliament questioned whether or not that the two should marry because of Máxima's father. Willem-Alexander and Máxima later decided that they wouldn't invite Máxima's mother or father. The Parliament approved.

 The couple married in a civic and religious wedding ceremony both on February 2, 2002. They married in the Beurs van Berlage (for the civic wedding) in Amsterdam. The went to Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") in Amsterdam to have their religious wedding.

The couple has three beautiful daughter, Catharina-Amalia (b. December 7, 2003), Princess Alexia (b. June 26, 2005), and Princess Ariane (b. April 10, 2007).

Then, this year, on January 31st, Queen Beatrix's 75th birthday. She announced she would abdicate in favour fo her son, Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange. This will be a joyus, sad, and heartfelt moment for the Dutch Royal Family and for the people of the Netherlands.
Information: Wikipedia
Photos: Google (Key Words: "Prince Willem-Alexander", "Prince Willem-Alexander young", "Prince Willem-Alexander, Princess Maxima, Queen Beatrix", "Prince Willem-Alexander Engagement",

The Life of: Princess Máxima of the Netherlands

With the soon ignagitation (coronation) of Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands. I decided to share Máxima's past with you all - Her past is interesting, but it makes her fit for being a queen. Note: Willem-Alexander's post about his life will be later this month.

Máxima was born as Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti. She's the daughter of Jorge Zorreguieta andhis second wife, María del Carmen Cerruti Carricart. She has two younger brothers, a younger sister. As well as thee older half-sisters (from her father's first marraige). Máxima was born on May 17, 1971 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

She studied at the Northlands School in Argentina and worked as a investment banked before she graduated with a Economic degree from the Universidad Católica Argentina in 1995. She worked at a large finance company in Argentina, New York, and Europe.

Máxima went to the Seville Spring Fair in Seville, Spain in 1999. While there, she met Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange. The future King of the Netherlands. When they first met, he introduced himself as just "Alexander." Willem-Alexander and Máxima became more serious and Willem-Alexander revealed himself. Maxima replied saying, "Yeah right."

Máxima recalled talking to her parents about Willem-Alexander, "I would tell them something different (about Willem) every time, but at some point there was nothing for it than to say: 'He's the prince of the Netherlands."

On March 30, 2001 - Queen Beatrix as well as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands announced the couple's engagement. Willem-Alexander gave Máxima an orange oval diamond with two smaller  white diamonds around the orange diamond.

Royal couples are always issued to seek approval from their parliament to marry their fiance or fiancee. So on request of the Dutch Parliament, Michiel Baud, a Dutch professor in Latin American studies, carried out an inquiry into the involvement of Jorge Zorreguieta in the Dirty War. Although Jorge Zorreguieta claimed that, he was unaware of the Dirty War while he was a cabinet minister.

Baud concluded it would be unlikelt that for a person in his powerful position, he wouldn't know about the war. However, when Baud looked further, he found that Jorge was in fact not involved in any of the deaths during that period.

Dutch politician Jan Van Walsen articulated the problem when he said: "The royal family must embody the symbol of our nation. How can Maxima, whose father is involved in the disappearance of thirty thousand people, be our Queen? We cannot accept it, knowing that her father did not express remorse."

Later, the Dutch Parliament decided they would allow Máxima and Willem-Alexander to marry because Máxima's father and mother would not be in attendance.

The couple married in a civic and religious wedding ceremony on February 2, 2002. Yes, 2/2/2. She wore a Valentino gown and he wore his military suit. They married in the Beurs van Berlage (for the civic wedding), Amesterdam and they followed to Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") in Amsterdam.

(Left to right: Catharina-Amalia, Willem-Alexander, Alexia, Máxima, Ariane)

After a year, the couple had their first child. A daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia (b. December 7, 2003). Then they had 2 other daughters, Princess Alexia (b. June 26, 2005) and Princess Ariane (b. April 10, 2007).

Then, on January 31st, the Queen's 75th birthday, she announced that she would abdicate on April 30th later that year - in favour of her son, Prince Willem-Alexander. Willem-Alexander will be King. Máxima will be Queen consort. Her daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia will be Catharina Amalia, Princess of Orange and will someday be the future queen.

Also, on the topic of the abdication. Princess Margriet's children will all be removed from the Dutch Royal Family. The Queen's youngest son, Constantijn's children will be removed from the Royal Family as well.

Information: Hello Canada, Wikipedia
Photos: Google Images (Key words: "Princess Maxima", "Princess Maxima Children", "Princess Maxima Engagement", "Princess Maxima Abdication")

Abdication Schedual

Program for April 30

10.00-10.30
Abdication of Her Majesty the Queen in the Moseszaal of the Royal Palace Amsterdam. Those present will include the Presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Council of Ministers for the Kingdom and members of the Royal Family. The Queen signs the instrument of abdication, which is read aloud by the Director of the Queen's Office.

10.30-10.50
His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands appear on the balcony of the Palace. Princess Beatrix and the King will both give a short address. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange and Their Royal Highnesses Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane will then join their parents on the balcony.

13.55
The King and his retinue proceed to the Nieuwe Kerk.

14.00-15.30
Swearing in and investiture of the King at a joint session of the two Houses of the States General in the Nieuwe Kerk. The King delivers an address and is sworn in. The President of the two Houses, Fred de Graaf, delivers an address and makes a solemn declaration, after which every member of the States General and the States of Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten swears an oath or makes an affirmation.

16.13-17.30
Reception for authorities and members of the States General in the Royal Palace Amsterdam.

Information: MyRoyals

Queen Beatrix Abdicates! Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima Take The Throne!

Today, Queen Beatrix announced that after almost 33 years on the Dutch throne, she decided to abdicate the throne. She'll abdicate on April 30th, which is Koninginnedag (Queens Day), which is the day that Beatrix's mother, Juliana, gave her the throne back in 1980.

Koninginnedag will be switched to the name: Koningsdag, meaning King's Day. That's because Willem-Alexander was born into the Royal Family, making him the Royal Blood. So, he'll be the regining monarch. It will also be changed to April 27th (Willem-Alexander's actual birthday).

Abdication is nothing new to the Dutch, Luxembourgish, and Lichenstein Royal Families. It's just always a surprise when it happens. Although, many people did guess that it would the 30th of April.

Willem-Alexander will take the title: "His Majesty The King of The Netherlands". He will not be known as Willem IV as most people expected. He'll be known as: Willem-Alexander. When Maxima becomes Queen, she'll take the title: "Her Majesty The Queen of The Netherlands".

I myself was very surprised that Beatrix abdicated! Yes, she's 74 but she could still have a few more sturdy years! Speaking about Beatrix, when Willem-Alexander and Maxima take the throne, Beatrix will become: "Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, etc.". Of course, the etc. won't be implied.

This is just going to be awkward! Maxima is become QUEEN Maxima, Willem-Alexander is becoming KING Willem-Alexander, Beatrix is becoming PRINCESS Beatrix. Then, there's Catharina-Amalia, who's going to become Catharina-Amalia, PRINCESS OF ORANGE! This is screwing with my head already!

Olympic Style! Part 4, Day 3

I am one day off, whatever, you get your Olympic Stuff, you’re happy!

Air Rifling

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway watched the Men’s 10m Air Rifle Final.

Swimming

Sisters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York were watching Swimming.

Gymnastics

Princes William and Harry watched the Great Britain Men’s Artistic Team get bronze in the Team Final. I was watching too, intense stuff! They went from a bronze to a silver, then back down to a bronze.

Handball

Princes Daniel and Carl Philip of Sweden watched the match between Sweden and Norway. Crown Princess Victoria was suppose to come to the Olympics. She chose to stay in Sweden with Princess Estelle though. There’s no illness, or anything, she just thought it would be better.

What the heck it Carl Philip suppose to be doing?

Soccer

Princess Maxima, Prince Willem-Alexandra and their daughters watched the soccer match between the Netherlands and India.

Receptions

The Luxembourgish Royal Family attended a reception.

Tennis

Prince Philippe, Princess Mathilde, and their children watched a tennis match.

Meetings

Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik met with members of Team Australia.

Unknown

The King Constantine, Queen Anne-Marie, Prince Nikolas and his wife, Princess Tatiana were at some Olympic Event.

Olympic Style! Part 3, Day 2

Day 2 was two days ago! I’m sorry, I’m behind! I have a few things going on.

Soccer

Prince William alongside his good soccer pal, David Beckham watched a soccer game, although I don’t know which one.

Swimming

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark watched some swimming action at the Aquatics Center. IN the Woman’s 100m Backstroke Belinda Hocking of Australia got first with a time of 59.79, Russian Anastasia Zueva got 2nd with a time of 59.68 and third was Japan’s Aya Terakawa with a time of 59.34. In the Men’s 200m Freestyle, Great Britain’s Robbie Renwick won with a time of 1:46.65 followed by American Ryan Lochte with a time of 1:46.31. And third was South Korea’s Taehwan Park with a time of 1:46.02.

Plus, some sanazy shoes:

Soccer

The Belgian Royals and Dutch Royals watched a match between both countries.

Cycling

Prince Willem-Alexander, Princess Maxima and their daughters watch the gold medal race of Dutch cyclist, Marianne Vos.

Beach Volleyball

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit watched Beach Volleyball.

Swimming

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco watched some swimming.

Equestrian

Princess Anne, Prince Philip, Princess Benedikte, Timothy Laurence, Autumn Phillips, Peter Phillips all watched Zara Phillips in her first Olympics, competing in  Eventing Individual Dressage.