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",

Tiara Sunday: Aquamarine Parure

We haven't discussed tiaras in a long time and with the inauguration coming up. Why not have a Dutch tiara?

The parure started with an Art Deco styled tiara, which was made by Dutch Jewellers: Kempen, Begeer & Vos. It was made with Diamonds and Brazilian Aquamarine.



Queen Juliana

The tiara was an eighteenth birthday present for Princess Juliana from her parents in 1927. Juliana also received a Belle Epoque/Edwardian style diamond and aquamarine demi-parure set in platinum from her grandmother, Queen Dowager Emma.



Queen Beatrix (2); Princess Irene (2); Princess Margriet (2)

It wasn't until after the Second World War that Queen Juliana started to wear the parure together in public. Queen Juliana's daughters wore the jewels many times when they were younger. Beatrix hasn't worn the parure together since the 1980's.

Princess Maxima

Since then, only Princess Margriet and Princess Maxima has worn the whole parure.

The Parure

The necklace contains 6 large square aquamarines and has a single rectangular aquamarine pendant. The necklace can be shortened and can even be turned into a necklace. The earrings are made out of briolette cut Aquamarines and were a present from (then) Princess Juliana's mother-in-law, Princess Armgard of Lippe-Biesterfeld. The large brooch in the set is made up of a large rectangular Aquamarine set with small baguette cut Aquamarines. They were a wedding present from Prince Bernhard in 1937.
Photos: dutchroyaljewels.nl
Information: dutchroyaljewels.nl

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

The Life Of: Queen Beatrix

Since, Queen Beatrix announced she would abdicate in favour of her son, Willem-Alexander. I decided to look back at the good (and bad) times that Beatrix has spent.

Beatrix in February 2012

Beatrix was born the eldest of four daughters to Princess Juliana of the Netherlands (later, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands (d. 2004)) and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld (d. 2004). She was born on January 32, 1938. (She's set to celebrate her 75th birthday later this year - she has the same birthday as my aunt!) She was born at Sestdijk Palace in Baarn, Netherlands. She was baptized on May 12, 1938 at the Great Church in The Hague. Her full name is: Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard.

When Beatrix was a year old, in 1939, her first younger sister, Princess Irene was born. World War II broke out in the Netherlands on May 10, 1940. Three days later, the Dutch Royal Famuly evacuated to London, England. A month later, Beatrix, Juliana, and Irene went to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. While, her father, and maternal grandmother, Wilhelmina stayed in London.

Beatrix's second sister, Margriet was born in Ottawa in 1943. Beatrix attended nursery and primary school at Rockcliffe Park Public School. Wouldn't it be cool to say, "Ya, I went to school with the Queen of the Netherlands, no biggy." Well, I guess no one would say that, mainly because they're old and they don't use slang. That would be cool though!

Anyways, on Mary 5, 1945 the German troops in the Netherlands surrendered. The family became one again when they returned on August 2, 1945. Her third sister, Christina was born in 1947. A year later, on September 6, 1948, her mother succeeded her grandmother, Wilhelmina as Queen. At the age of 10, Beatrix became the heiress presumptive. It's very similar to Catharina-Amalia, she'll be the heiress presumptive on April 30th, when her father takes the throne. However, he will be 9, not 10.

So, I skipped the education section on Wikipedia, I decided not to skip the Education section. Beatrix in 1956 celebrated her 18th birthday, her mother installed her in the Council of State. The same year, Beatrix began university at the Leiden University. She studided (in her first years) sociology, jurisprudence, economics, parliamentary history, and consitutional law. She also went to various European and international organisations. She obtained her law degree in July of 1961.

So, now we're back to the section I really wanted to do! Beatrix's marriage! So, I didn't know this, but, when Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg, it was very contriversal! It was due to the fact that he was an German aristocrat, and had served in the Hitler Youth, which associated him with German Nazism. Well, the wedding wasn't a package of chocolates (What?). After they married, a smoke bomb was thrown at the carraige, with started a violent street battle with police.

It's very funny now, because when Claus died in 2002 (R.I.P.), he was one of the favourited member of the Dutch Royal Family!

Beatrix started her reign on April 20th of 1980 after her mother, Juliana abdicated. Beatrix had very hard years between 2002 and 2004. Well, the marriage of her eldest son, Willem-Alexander to Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti was a happy moment. The thing was, her husband, Claus, died after a long illness. Her mother died after she suffered from senile dementia (R.I.P.) in 2004 and her father died in December of 2004 (R.I.P.).

This isn't a part that makes me happy, it brings me very down. On April 30, 2009, there was an asasination attempt created by Karst Roeland Tates. He was driving at high speed, as he drove through people, watching the parade. He missed the Royal Family and crashed into a monument on the side of the road. There were 8 deaths (including Karst) and 10 injured.

Then, today, the day that Beatrix abdicated. We already discussed this, look here, to read it again.

I also forgot to mention her children, I'm smart... Her son, Prince Willem-Alexander was born on April 27, 1967 and married Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti on February 2nd, 2002. They have 3 children: Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia, and Princess Ariane.

Her second son, Prince Friso was born on September 25, 1968 and married Mabel Wisse Smit on April 24, 2004 which costed him the throne. They have 2 children: Countess Luana, and Countess Zaria. Friso was in an avalanche last year (in February - it's been so long, but felt so short!). He's currently in England, and has been showing some signs of consiousness.

Her third son, Prince Constantijn was born on October 11, 1969. He married Laurentien Brinkhorst on Mary 19, 2001 and they have 3 children: Countess Eloise, Count Calus-Casimir, and Countess Leonore.

Information: Wikipedia

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!

Prinsjesdag 2012

Prinsjesdag (or Prince’s Day in English) is the day on which the reigning Monarch of the Netherlands. In this case, it would be Queen Beatrix. Addresses a joint session of the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives. In the 18th century, Prinsjesdag was the country’s most popular public holidays and was celebrated on March 8th for the then Prince’s of Orange’s birthday.

Beatrix wore her usual hat attire, and the dress I very much like on her. It’s looks somewhat of what the Duchess of Cambridge wore in January of this year. I know, it’s not the same, but it does look similar.

Laurentien wore her usual flower in the front of her head, and a matching dress to go with it. I do in fact, like the earrings and the orange-ish sash really stands out.

Maxima must love me today – I love the colour pink, and I love what she wore. I do in fact don’t like how the top is sort of separated from the skirt. But, the hat does have the same style two years ago – but, I do like it.

Margriet was in attendance, I didn’t find any pictures, except this one. Although, better ones are sure to come. From what it looks like, she looks amazing. I just love it when she comes out in offical events, she always looks amazing.

Sadly, this year we didn’t have Princess Mabel join us. Mabel possibly due to the fact that Prince Frisco is still in hospital after the avalanche, and she really hasn’t really appeared in many official events.

Royal Wedding of Princess Carolina

I covered her Civic Wedding earlier this year. Now it’s the religious wedding. It was celebrated on the 17 of June this year. I am here now to post pictures.

Princess Carolina wore a dress made by Dutch designer, Addy van den Krommenacker. The dress features Bruges heirloom lace, which was worn by Princess Irene at her wedding in 1964. The dresses name is apparently named “Irene”. The tiara she wore is the Laurel Wreath Tiara, also worn by Princess Laurentien on her wedding day in 2001.

I really love this dress, well I really like dresses with lace. She looks absolutely stunning!

(Left to Right: Queen Beatrix, Princess Maxima, Princess Laurentien, Princess Mabel)

The Queen of the Netherlands, the Future Queen of the Netherlands (Daughter-in-law to Beatrix), Princess Laurentien (Daughter-in-law of Beatrix), Princess Mabel (Daughter-in-law of Beatrix).

(Left to Right: Princess Margriet, Princess Annette, Princess Aimée, Princess Marilène)

Princess Margriet, one of four daughter of Queen Juliana. The rest are daughter-in-laws of Margriet. Note, another daughter-in-law of Princess Margriet, Princess Anita was not in attendance.

(Left to Right: Princess Irene, Princess Christina, Juliana Guillermo, Eva Guillermo)

Princess Irene and Princess Christina are the sisters of Queen Beatrix. Princess Irene is the mother of Princess Carolina. Juliana is the daughter of Christina. Eva is the daughter-in law of Christina.

(Left to Right: Princess Sophie of Prussia, Princes Margarita)

Princess Margarita is the daughter of Princess Irene.

Royal Fashion Awards: Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Part 1- Greet

Best of the Day

Queen Elizabeth II

I have to give this award to Elizabeth, with 60 years of good service to England, she has to be awarded this.

Best in Beatrix

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands

To tell you the truth, I actually like this one. It has an oversized shirt (Not a big fan) and pointy shoes (Yuck!) but, Beatrix looks good in it.

Best in Traditional

Empress Michiko of Japan

I would be hard wearing traditional clothing all the time. And with Japan with their wooden shoes, I would not survive. I have to give Michiko credit!

Worst in Usual

Queen Paola of Belgium

Purple over here, a ruffle over there. It was the normal Paola at the greet. But, they way it looks isn’t terrible.

Best in Great!

ex-Queen Anne-Marie of Greece

For a queen being 65 years old, she looks fantastic! I love the dress style and the accessories she wore too.

Worst in Shinny

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg

Maria Teresa looks ok. But it looked better the first time around.

Worst in Margrethe

Queen Margrethe of Denmark

Margrethe chose the usual outfit, a suit in a ugly colour. And with a odd material.

Best in Smiley

Queen Silvia of Sweden

Silvia looks very happy, and why shouldn't she? Her first granddaughter, Estelle is getting christened in 4 days.

Best in Fabulous!

Queen Rania of Jordan

Queen Rania looks good as she usually does. I want to have that shirt it looks great!

Best in her Usual self

Duchess of Cambridge

Catherine wowed, as usual. And in a very pretty colour!

Worst in White

Countess of Wessex

Sophie looks good, as she always does. But her jacket is un-flattering. And the waist of her dress looks very odd.

What a Wonderful Surprise!

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

I was very happy when I saw the pictures of Beatrice and Eugenie here. They look great especially Beatrice!