4. Prinses Christina zu Lippe-Biesterfeld, b. 18 Feb 1947, Paleis Soestdijk, Baarn, Utrecht, Nederland d. 16 Aug 2019, Paleis Noordeinde, 's-Gravenhage, Zuid-Holland, Nederland (Age 72 years)
By Royal Decree was declared that the children from this marriage would bear the style and titel HRH Prince(ss) of the Netherlands, Prince(ss) of Orange-Nassau, Jonkheer (Jonkvrouw) of Amsberg.
Youth
Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands was born on 31 January 1938, the first child of Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard. The Princess was born at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn, where she lived until May 1940, when, on the German invasion of the Netherlands, the family left for the United Kingdom. From there, Princess Beatrix and her younger sister Irene, who was born in 1939, moved with their mother to Ottawa in Canada. It was not until five years later, on 2 August 1945, that the family, with the third child, Margriet, born in Canada in 1943, again set foot on Dutch soil.
In Canada, Princess Beatrix attended nursery and primary school. On her return to the Netherlands, she continued her primary education at The Workshop (De Werkplaats), Kees Boeke's progressive school in Bilthoven. In April 1950, Princess Beatrix entered the Incrementum, part of Baarns Lyceum, where she passed her school-leaving examinations in arts subjects and classics in 1956.
On 31 January 1956, Princess Beatrix celebrated her 18th birthday. From that date, under the Constitution of the Netherlands, she was entitled to assume the royal prerogative. From that date too, she was installed in the Council of State. In the same year, the Princess enrolled as a student at Leiden University. In her first years at university, she attended lectures in sociology, jurisprudence, economics, parliamentary history and constitutional law. In the course of her studies she also attended lectures on the cultures of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles, the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, international affairs, international law, history and European law.
While at university, the Princess visited various European and international organisations in Geneva, Strasbourg, Paris and Brussels. She was also an active member of the Leiden Women Students' Association. In the summer of 1959, she passed her preliminary examination in law, and obtained her degree in July 1961.
Marriage and family
In radio and television broadcasts on 28 June 1965, Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard announced the engagement of Princess Beatrix and the German diplomat Claus von Amsberg. On 10 November 1965, the Lower House passed a bill introduced by the government consenting to their marriage. The bill was passed by the Upper House on 8 December of the same year. The civil marriage ceremony was conducted by the Burgomaster of Amsterdam, Gijsbert van Hall, in Amsterdam City Hall on 10 March 1966. The marriage was blessed during a service in the Westerkerk, which was conducted by Rev. H.J. Kater, with a sermon preached by Rev. J.H. Sillevis Smitt. On this occasion, Claus von Amsberg received the title of Prince of the Netherlands and the designation Jonkheer van Amsberg. The royal couple took up residence in Drakensteyn Castle in Lage Vuursche, where the Princess had lived since 1963. Three sons were born to Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus: Prince Willem-Alexander in 1967, Prince Johan Friso in 1968 and Prince Constantijn in 1969.
Social issues
From an early age, the Princess showed great concern for disabled people. In 1956, she became Patron of the National Fund for the Prevention of Poliomyelitis, which was established after a serious outbreak of the disease. The Fund was renamed the Princess Beatrix Fund and later expanded its work to include support for victims of other, congenital, muscular disorders. The interest Princess Beatrix had shown in social welfare was also apparent from the purposes to which she and her husband Prince Claus put the sum of money the nation gave them as a wedding present. Part of it went to four national associations of parents of disabled children and part was earmarked for additional medical facilities on board the Henri Dunant, the Dutch Red Cross hospital ship. The Prince and Princess also donated a sum of money to help disabled children in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. The many activities Princess Beatrix undertook included Chair of the European Working Group on volunteer development work in Asia and Africa, membership of the Executive Board of the Silver Centres (residential schools for children) and her work for the National Youth Fund and UNICEF.
International visits
Princess Beatrix showed great interest in the countries and peoples of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. She visited these countries for the first time in 1958. Her second visit in 1965 centred on the social and economic developments that had occurred since her first visit. During her third visit in 1968, she introduced Prince Claus to the peoples of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. When Suriname gained its independence in 1975, the Prince and Princess attended the celebrations that accompanied the transfer of sovereignty. In addition to Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles, Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus visited many other countries and international organisations. They attended several of the annual meetings of the Bilderberg Group, the forum in which politicians from at home and abroad, business people, trades union leaders, academics and journalists discuss current political, economic and social problems. The Bilderberg Group was established on the initiative of Prince Bernhard, who chaired it for many years.
Queen of the Netherlands
On 30 April 1980, Queen Juliana signed the Act of Abdication and Princess Beatrix succeeded her as Queen of the Netherlands. On the same day, her investiture took place at a special plenary session of both Houses of the States General in the New Church in Amsterdam. Since then, the Queen's birthday has been officially celebrated on 30 April. Apart from being the day of her investiture, it is also Princess Juliana's birthday. The Queen's Birthday is an official national holiday. In 1981 the royal family moved into Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. Much of their work has been done at Noordeinde Palace since its restoration was completed in 1984.
Coalitions and politics
The Queen closely follows affairs of government and maintains regular contact with ministers, state secretaries, the vice-president of the Council of State, the Queen's Commissioners in the provinces, burgomasters, and Dutch ambassadors etc. She meets the Prime Minister every Monday. Much of her work consists of studying and signing State documents. She regularly receives members of parliament, as well as other authorities on social issues. The Queen is closely involved in the formation of new governments. During her reign, four governments have been formed, namely three headed by Ruud Lubbers and one by Wim Kok. After a general election or the fall of a government, the Queen appoints one or more formateurs or informateurs who are instructed to form a new government. The Queen makes this appointment after consulting with the vice-president of the Council of State, the speakers of both Houses of the States General, the leaders of the parliamentary parties in the Lower House, and, if necessary, the ministers of State. The ministers and state secretaries of the newly formed government are sworn in by the Queen. At the official opening of parliament on the third Tuesday of September (Prinsjesdag), the Queen rides in the Golden Coach from Noordeinde Palace to the Binnenhof. A plenary session of both Houses of the States General is held in the Knights' Hall, during which the Queen delivers the Speech from the Throne in which the government announces its policy plans for the coming year. The Queen regularly receives heads of state and heads of government who are visiting the Netherlands. She also receives in audience the heads of foreign diplomatic missions to the Netherlands, when they come to present their letters of credence or take their leave. The Queen makes several state visits to other countries every year.
Social involvement
The Queen devotes much attention to important events in the Netherlands. She keeps herself informed of what is going on in society and every year she attends many openings, commemorations and other official events. Regular visits to the provinces provide the Queen with the opportunity to learn of the problems that affect people at local level. During specially organised working visits, she examines issues relating to such subjects as justice, agriculture, minorities, the environment and the interests of both employers and employees. The Queen also shows a keen interest in organisations in the field of health care and social welfare.
Culture
The Queen is particularly interested in sculpture, painting, ballet and music. She regularly visits exhibitions and attends performances, and she enjoys talking to the artists themselves. She takes a great personal interest in awarding the annual Royal Grant for Painting.
Leisure pursuits
The Queen enjoys sculpting, horse-riding and sailing. Her favourite sailing boat is De Groene Draeck, her 18th birthday gift from the nation. She also enjoys playing tennis and skiing.
De juristen uit het Huis van Hare Majesteit; uit de Staatsalmanak
Beaufort, jhr. mr. H.W.L. de, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beheer voor het Kroondomein, Lid
Boukema, mr. P.J., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Hoofdcommissie van Overleg voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Voorzitter
Cate, mr. E. ten, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Kamerheer
Drion, mr. T., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair
Dudok van Heel, J.F., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair
Duurling, mr. J.S. van, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Militaire Huis, Adjudant van H.M. de Koningin, Luitenant-kolonel van de Militair Juridische Dienst
Feltz, mr. G.W. baron van der, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Kamerheer
Heyden, prof mr. P.F. van der, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beroep voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Plv lid
Horstink, mr. A.S.M., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beroep voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Plv lid
Jeekel-Thate, mw. mr. J., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Hofdame
Jonge, jhr. mr. M.W.C. de, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Adjudant i.b.d., kolonel der cavalerie b.d.
Jonkman, mr. P.J.H., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Grootmeester honorair
Kist, mr. F.W., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Grootmeester honorair
Koning, mr. H.E., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Stichting Historische Verzamelingen van het Huis Oranje-Nassau, Lid
Kramer, mr. J., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beroep voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Secretaris
Leeuwenburg, mr. J.W., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Particulier Secretariaat van Z.K.H. de Prins van Oranje, Particulier secretaris
Loon-Labouchere, mw. mr. M.L.A. van, Grootmeesteres van H.M. de Koningin
Louter, mr. A.H.L., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Militaire Huis, Adjudant van H.M. de Koningin, Kapitein-luitenant ter zee
Martens, mw. mr. drs. A.A.J., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Particulier Secretariaat van H.K.H. Prinses Margriet der Nederlanden en mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven, Particulier secretaris
Mout-Bouwman, mw. mr. E.A., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beroep voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Lid
Oud-Alblas, mr. A. Blussé van, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair
Quay, mr. C.L.M. de, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Kamerheer
Röell, jhr. mr. E.W., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair
Roy van Zuydewijn, mr. J.A. de, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair
Ruijgrok-Gillebaard, mw. mr. N., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Militaire Huis, Adjudant van H.M. de Koningin, luitenant-kolonel van de Verbindingsdienst
Schipper, mr. W.H., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beroep voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Lid
Sillevis Smitt, mr. J.L.W., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Adviseur, Rechtsgeleerd raadsman van H.K.H. Prinses Juliana der Nederlanden en ZKH. Prins Bernhard der Nederlanden
Sirtema van Grovestins, mr. J.G.A. baron, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Adviseur, Financieel raadsman van H.K.H. Prinses Juliana der Nederlanden en Z K.H. Prins Bernhard der Nederlanden
Smits, mr. R.M., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Adviseur, Financieel raadsman van H.M. de Koningin, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Particulier Secretariaat van H.K.H. Prinses Juliana der Nederlanden, Particulier thesaurier
Verschuer, mr. O.W.A. baron van, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair
Vries, mr. K. de, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beroep voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Voorzitter
Wackie Eysten, mr. P.A., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beroep voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Plv lid
Wall Bake, mr. R.A. van den, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair
Weel, mr. J.J. van der, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Kamerheer
Wegener Sleeswijk, mr. R.S., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Kamerheer
Wiersma, mr. E.D., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Adviseur, Rechtsgeleerd raadsman van H.M. de Koningin
Wiertz-Wezenbeek, mw. mr. C.M., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Overleg- en Adviescommissies, Raad van Beroep voor het Personeel der Koninklijke Hofhouding, Plv secretaris
Wijmen, mr P.C.E. van, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair
Zinnicq Bergmann, mr. R.J.E.M. van, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Grootofficier, commodore van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht tit. b.d., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, commodore van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht tit. b.d., Jagermeester honorair, Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Adjudant i.b.d., kolonel der cavalerie b.d., Huis van H.M. de Koningin, Honoraire Hofhouding, Kamerheer honorair, commodore van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht tit. b.d.
1938 - 
1926 - 2002 (76 years)
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