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{{Short description|King of the Netherlands since 2013}} | |||
] | |||
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=October 2024}} | |||
'''Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand''', born ], ], in ], Crown Prince of the Netherlands and Prince of Orange. | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024|cs1-dates=y}} | |||
{{Infobox royalty | |||
| name = Willem-Alexander | |||
| image = Zijne_Majesteit_Koning_Willem-Alexander_met_koningsmantel_april_2013_(cropped).jpeg | |||
| caption = Formal portrait, 2013 | |||
| succession = ] | |||
| reign = {{start date text|30 April 2013}}{{thinsp|–}}present | |||
| coronation = 30 April 2013 | |||
| cor-type = ] | |||
| predecessor = ] | |||
| successor = ] | |||
| suc-type = ] | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|04|27|df=y}} | |||
| birth_place = ], Netherlands | |||
| death_date = | |||
| death_place = | |||
| spouse = {{marriage|]|2002-02-02}} | |||
| issue = {{ubl | ] | ] | ]}} | |||
| issue-link = | |||
| full name = Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand | |||
| house = {{ubl|] (official)|] (agnatic)}} | |||
| father = ] | |||
| mother = ] | |||
| religion = ] | |||
| signature = Handtekening Willem-Alexander.svg | |||
| module = {{Infobox military person | embed=yes | |||
| branch = {{plainlist| | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ]}} | |||
| serviceyears = 1985–2013 | |||
| rank = {{plainlist| | |||
* ] (Navy) | |||
* ] (Army and Marechaussee) | |||
* ] (Air Force)}} | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Dutch Royal Family}} | |||
'''Willem-Alexander''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈʋɪləm aːlɛkˈsɑndər|lang}}; Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand; born 27 April 1967) is ], reigning since 30 April 2013. | |||
Willem-Alexander was born in ] during the reign of his maternal grandmother, ], as the eldest child of ] and ]. He became ] as ] upon his mother's accession on 30 April 1980. He went to public primary and secondary schools in the Netherlands, and an international sixth-form college in ]. He served in the ], and studied history at ]. He married ] in 2002, and they have three daughters: ], ], and ]. Willem-Alexander succeeded his mother as monarch upon her ] on 30 April 2013. He is the first man to hold this position since the death of his great-great-grandfather ] in 1890, as the intervening three monarchs—his great-grandmother ], his grandmother Juliana and his mother Beatrix—had all been women. | |||
The eldest son of ] and ], he is the first male heir to the Dutch throne in 116 years. | |||
Willem-Alexander is interested in sports and international ] issues. Until his accession to the throne, he was a member of the ] (1998–2013),{{refn|{{Cite magazine |date=2013-01-29 |title=Dutch Crown Prince quits IOC in preparation to become king |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/-olympics/news/20130129/dutch-crown-prince-willem-alexander-ioc.ap/ |url-status=dead |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213032548/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/-olympics/news/20130129/dutch-crown-prince-willem-alexander-ioc.ap/ |archive-date=2013-12-13 |access-date=2013-04-19}}}} chairman of the Advisory Committee on Water to the Dutch ] (2004–2013),{{refn|{{Cite news |date=2013-04-16 |title=Prins Willem-Alexander neemt afscheid van Adviescommissie Water |language=nl |trans-title=Prince Willem-Alexander says goodbye to the Water Advisory Committee |work=] |url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/5751/Koninginnedag/article/detail/3426860/2013/04/16/Prins-Willem-Alexander-neemt-afscheid-van-Adviescommissie-Water.dhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=2013-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506222523/http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/5751/Koninginnedag/article/detail/3426860/2013/04/16/Prins-Willem-Alexander-neemt-afscheid-van-Adviescommissie-Water.dhtml |archive-date=2013-05-06}}}} and chairman of the ]' ] (2006–2013).{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=http://www.unsgab.org/index.php?menu=219 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519214529/http://www.unsgab.org/index.php?menu=219 |archive-date=2013-05-19 |access-date=2013-04-19 |website=] Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation}}}}{{refn|{{Cite news |date=2013-03-21 |title=Willem-Alexander neemt afscheid als 'waterprins' |language=nl |trans-title=Willem-Alexander says goodbye as 'water prince' |work=] |url=http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/4492/Nederland/article/detail/3413108/2013/03/21/Willem-Alexander-neemt-afscheid-als-waterprins.dhtml |url-access=subscription |access-date=2013-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517213904/http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/4492/Nederland/article/detail/3413108/2013/03/21/Willem-Alexander-neemt-afscheid-als-waterprins.dhtml |archive-date=2013-05-17}}}} | |||
Prince Willem-Alexander was educated at a Protestant grammar school in ], where he mixed with children from all social backgrounds. He has been groomed in state affairs to one day assume the Dutch throne. He earned a degree in history from Leiden University and is an expert in international ] issues. Prince Willem-Alexander is both an honorary member of the World Commission on Water for the 21st Century and patron of the Global Water Partnership, a body established by the ], the ] and the Swedish Ministry of Development. | |||
==Early life and education== | |||
The prince is a member of the Raad van State, the highest council to the Dutch government that is chaired by his mother. As part of his Royal duties, he holds commissions in the Dutch Army, Navy and Air Force and was a patron of the Dutch Olympic Games Committee until 1998 when he was made a member of the ] (IOC). On behalf of the Crown, the Prince carries out various representative duties. | |||
] in 1982]] | |||
Willem-Alexander was born on 27 April 1967 at the Utrecht University Hospital (now known as the ]) in ]. He is the first child of ] (later Queen) and ],{{refn|name="biography"|{{Cite web |date=May 2009 |title=The Prince of Orange |url=http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/english/dsc?c=getobject&s=obj&objectid=18194&ext=document.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509221432/http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/english/dsc?c=getobject&s=obj&objectid=18194&ext=document.pdf |archive-date=2009-05-09 |access-date=2009-07-19 |website=] |language=en-GB}}}} and the first grandchild of ] and ]. He was the first male Dutch royal baby since the birth of ] in 1851, and the first immediate male heir since Alexander's death in 1884. | |||
From birth, Willem-Alexander has held the titles Prince of the Netherlands ({{langx|nl|Prins der Nederlanden}}), Prince of ], and ] of ].{{r|biography}} He was baptised as a member of the ]{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Doop Willem-Alexander |trans-title=Baptism of Willem-Alexander |url=http://koningshuis.nos.nl/video/bekijk/id/tcm:5-437878/title/doop-willem-alexander |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331081933/http://koningshuis.nos.nl/video/bekijk/id/tcm:5-437878/title/doop-willem-alexander |archive-date=2009-03-31 |access-date=2009-12-13 |website=] |language=nl}}}} on 2 September 1967{{refn|name="40questions"|{{Cite web |title=40 meest gestelde vragen |trans-title=40 most frequently asked questions |url=http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/Speciale_webpagina_s/40ste_verjaardag_Prins_van_Oranje_27_april_2007/40_veelgestelde_vragen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110604040729/http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/Speciale_webpagina_s/40ste_verjaardag_Prins_van_Oranje_27_april_2007/40_veelgestelde_vragen |archive-date=2011-06-04 |access-date=2009-12-13 |website=] |language=nl}}}} in Saint Jacob's Church in ].{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2009-04-27 |title=Doopplechtigheid Prins Willem-Alexander in Sint Jacobskerk |trans-title=Baptism ceremony of Prince Willem-Alexander in St. Jacob Church: 3 parts |url=http://blogs.rnw.nl/haa/b232960-doopplechtigheid-prins-willem-alexander-in-sint-jacobskerk-3-delen-1967-09-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727112342/http://blogs.rnw.nl/haa/b232960-doopplechtigheid-prins-willem-alexander-in-sint-jacobskerk-3-delen-1967-09-02 |archive-date=2011-07-27 |access-date=2009-12-13 |website=] |language=nl}}}} His godparents are his maternal grandfather ], his paternal grandmother ], ], former Prime Minister ], ] Renée ], and ].{{r|40questions}} | |||
He is an avid pilot and sportsman. In 1989, the Prince flew as a volunteer for the "African Medical Research and Education Foundation" (AMREF) in ] and in 1991 he spent a month flying for the Kenya Wildlife Service. Using the name "Van Buren," one of the other, lesser-known surnames of the House of Oranje-Nassau, he has participated in the ] marathon where his aunt, ], and several of the Royal family cousins live. In the Netherlands, he was a participant in the Frisian Eleven Cities skating marathon. | |||
He had two younger brothers: ] (1968–2013) and ] (b. 1969). He lived with his family at the castle ] in the hamlet ] near ] from his birth until 1981, when they moved to the larger palace ] in The Hague. His mother, Beatrix, became Queen of the Netherlands in 1980, after his grandmother Juliana abdicated. He then received the title of ] as ] to the throne of the ] at the age of 13.{{r|biography}} | |||
On ], ], he married ], upholding the tradition in the ] of choosing a controversial partner. Like all Dutch monarchs, Prince Willem-Alexander is a member of the ] Dutch Reformed church but, unlike the highly controversial 1964 marriage to a Roman Catholic by his aunt, the ], religion was not an issue in the Prince's marriage but the matter of Maxima?s father was. Maxima is the daughter of Jorge Zorreguieta Stefanini, a former member of ] brutal military dictatorship that ruled Argentina during the 1970s. | |||
Willem-Alexander attended local state primary school Nieuwe Baarnse Elementary School in ] from 1973 to 1979. He went to two different state secondary schools (the Baarns Lyceum in Baarn from 1979 to 1981 and the Eerste Vrijzinnig Christelijk Lyceum in ] from 1981 to 1983) and the private sixth-form college ] in ] (1983 to 1985), where he received his ].{{r|biography}}{{refn|name="parlement"|{{Cite web |title=Z.M. koning Willem-Alexander, koning der Nederlanden, prins van Oranje-Nassau |trans-title=H.M. King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau |url=http://www.parlement.com/id/vg09llxsqztx/willem_alexander_alexander_willem |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506005704/https://www.parlement.com/id/vg09llxsqztx/willem_alexander_alexander_willem |archive-date=2021-05-06 |access-date=2013-04-05 |website=Parlement |language=nl}}}} | |||
After his military service from 1985 to 1987, Willem-Alexander studied history at ] from 1987 onwards and received his ] degree ({{lang|la|]}}) in 1993.{{refn|{{Cite web |last=Hoff |first=Ruud |title=Leiden, 2 juli 1993 |trans-title=Leiden, 2 July 1993 |url=http://www.anp-archief.nl/page/50475/nl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212101152/http://www.anp-archief.nl/page/50475/nl |archive-date=2013-12-12 |access-date=2017-06-15 |website=ANP Historisch Archief Community}}}}{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Dutch royals in Leiden |url=https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2016/04/dutch-royal-family-in-leiden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517161231/https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2016/04/dutch-royal-family-in-leiden |archive-date=2021-05-17 |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=]|date=26 April 2019 }}}} His final thesis was on the Dutch response to France's ] under President ] to leave ]'s integrated command structure.{{r|biography}} | |||
Willem-Alexander speaks English, Spanish, French, and German (his father's native language) in addition to his native Dutch.{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2009-11-05 |title=Prins Willem-Alexander blundert tijdens staatsbezoek Mexico |trans-title=Prince Willem-Alexander blunders during state visit to Mexico |url=http://925.nl/archief/2009/11/05/prins-willem-alexander-blundert-tijdens-staatsbezoek-mexico |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210222404/http://925.nl/archief/2009/11/05/prins-willem-alexander-blundert-tijdens-staatsbezoek-mexico |archive-date=2013-12-10 |access-date=2013-05-03 |website=925}}}} | |||
==Military training and career== | |||
] in 1986]] | |||
Between secondary school and his university education, Willem-Alexander performed military service in the ] from August 1985 until January 1987. He received his training at the ] and in the frigates ] and ], where he was an ]. In 1988 he received additional training in the ship ] and became a ] ({{lang|nl|wachtofficier}}).{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Military career |url=http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/english/Who_s_who/The_Prince_of_Orange/Military_career |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124230522/http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/english/Who_s_who/The_Prince_of_Orange/Military_career |archive-date=2009-11-24 |access-date=2009-12-17 |website=] |language=en-GB}}}} | |||
As a ] for the Royal Netherlands Navy, Willem-Alexander was promoted to ] in 1995, ] in 1997, ] in 2001, and ] in 2005. As a reservist for the ], he was made a ] (]) in 1995, and was promoted to ] in 1997, ] in 2001, and ] in 2005. As a reservist for the ], he was made ] in 1995 and promoted to ] in 2005. As a reservist for the ], he was made ] in 2005.{{r|parlement}} | |||
Before his investiture as king in 2013, Willem-Alexander was honourably discharged from the armed forces. The government declared that the ] cannot be a serving member of the armed forces, since the government itself holds supreme command over the armed forces. As king, Willem-Alexander may choose to wear a military uniform with ], but not with his former rank insignia.{{refn|{{Cite press release |title=King will retain close relationship with armed forces |date=2013-04-11 |url=http://www.defensie.nl/english/latest/news/2013/04/11/royal-insignia-struck |language=en-GB |access-date=2013-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217191208/http://www.defensie.nl/english/latest/news/2013/04/11/royal-insignia-struck |archive-date=2015-02-17 |website=]}}}} | |||
==Activities and social interests== | |||
], ] and ] at the ] in 2009.]] | |||
Since 1985, when he became 18 years old, Willem-Alexander has been a member of the ]. This is the highest council of the ] and is chaired by the head of state (then Queen Beatrix).{{refn|{{Cite web |title=The Dutch Council of State |url=https://www.raadvanstate.nl/talen/artikel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314042740/https://www.raadvanstate.nl/talen/artikel/ |archive-date=2022-03-14 |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=Raad van State |language=en-GB}}}} | |||
Willem-Alexander is interested in ] and sports issues. He was an honorary member of the World Commission on Water for the 21st century and patron of the Global Water Partnership, a body established by the ], the UN, and the Swedish Ministry of Development. He was appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Secretary General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation on 12 December 2006.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=About UNSGAB |url=http://www.unsgab.org/chair.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730084012/http://www.unsgab.org/chair.htm |archive-date=2012-07-30 |access-date=2013-01-28 |website=] Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation |language=en-US}}}} | |||
On 10 October 2010, Willem-Alexander and Máxima went to the ]' capital, ], to attend and represent ], at the ]. | |||
He was a patron of the Dutch Olympic Games Committee until 1998 when he was made a member of the ] (IOC). After becoming King, he relinquished his membership and received the Gold ] at the ].{{refn|name="OlympicOrder"|{{Cite web |date=2013-09-08 |title=Dutch King given Olympic gold order |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/9650368/dutch-king-willem-alexander-awarded-ioc-highest-honor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127111528/https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/9650368/dutch-king-willem-alexander-awarded-ioc-highest-honor |archive-date=2020-11-27 |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=] |language=en-US}}}} To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ] held in Amsterdam, he had expressed support to bid for the ].{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2008-08-14 |title=Netherlands May Bid For 2028 Games |url=https://gamesbids.com/eng/summer-olympic-bids/future-summer-bids/netherlands-may-bid-for-2028-games/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804142021/https://gamesbids.com/eng/summer-olympic-bids/future-summer-bids/netherlands-may-bid-for-2028-games/ |archive-date=2020-08-04 |website=Gamesbids.com |language=en-US}}}} | |||
He was a member of the supervisory board of {{lang|nl|]|italic=no}} (the Dutch central bank), a member of the Advisory Council of ECP (the information society forum for government, business and civil society), patron of Veterans' Day and held several other patronages and posts.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Preparing for the role of monarch |url=https://www.royal-house.nl/members-royal-house/king-willem-alexander/preparing-for-the-role-of-monarch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231221333/https://www.royal-house.nl/members-royal-house/king-willem-alexander/preparing-for-the-role-of-monarch |archive-date=2021-12-31 |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=] |date=15 January 2015 |language=en-GB}}}} | |||
== Reign == | |||
{{See also|List of overseas trips made by Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands}} | |||
], Austrian President ] and Israeli President ] on 10 March 2024]] | |||
On 28 January 2013, Beatrix announced her intention to abdicate. On the morning of 30 April 2013 ({{lang|nl|]}}), Beatrix signed the instrument of abdication at the {{lang|nl|Moseszaal}} (Moses Hall) at the ]. Later that afternoon, Willem-Alexander was ] as king before a joint session of the ] in a ceremony held at the ]. | |||
As king, Willem-Alexander has weekly meetings with the prime minister and speaks regularly with ministers and state secretaries. He also signs all new Acts of Parliament and royal decrees. He represents the kingdom at home and abroad. At the State Opening of Parliament, he delivers the Speech from the Throne, which announces the plans of the government for the parliamentary year. The Constitution requires that the king appoint, dismiss and swear in all government ministers and state secretaries. As king, he is also the President of the ], an advisory body that reviews proposed legislation. In modern practice, the monarch seldom chairs council meetings.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Position and role as head of state |url=https://www.royal-house.nl/members-royal-house/king-willem-alexander/position-and-role-as-head-of-state |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203050223/https://www.royal-house.nl/members-royal-house/king-willem-alexander/position-and-role-as-head-of-state |archive-date=2022-02-03 |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=] |date=15 January 2015 |language=en-GB}}}} | |||
At his accession at age 46, he was Europe's youngest monarch. He is currently third-youngest after ] of Denmark and ] of Spain. He is also the first male monarch of the Netherlands since the death of his great-great-grandfather ] in 1890. Willem-Alexander was one of four new sovereign monarchs in 2013 along with ], Emir ] of Qatar, and King ] of Belgium. | |||
==Other activities== | |||
], here supporting ]]] | |||
Willem-Alexander is an avid pilot and has said that if he had not been a royal, he would have liked to be an airline pilot so he could fly internationally on large-sized aircraft such as the ].{{refn|name=":0"|{{Cite news |date=2017-05-17 |title=Dutch King Willem-Alexander reveals secret flights as first officer |language=en-GB |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39946532 |url-status=live |access-date=2017-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517192222/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39946532 |archive-date=2017-05-17}}}} During the reign of his mother, he regularly flew the Dutch royal aircraft on trips.{{refn|{{Cite news |date=2011 |title=FAQ – Dutch royalty |language=en-GB |work=] |url=http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/faq-dutch-royalty |url-status=dead |access-date=2013-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127104421/http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/faq-dutch-royalty |archive-date=2013-01-27}}}} However, in May 2017, Willem-Alexander revealed that he had served as a first officer on ] flights for 21 years, flying ]'s ]s twice a month, even after his accession to the throne. Following KLM's phased retirement of the Fokker 70, he began training to fly ]s. Willem-Alexander was rarely recognized while in the KLM uniform and wearing the KLM cap, though a few passengers recognized his voice, even though he never gave his name and only welcomed passengers on behalf of the captain and crew.{{r|:0}}{{refn|{{Cite web |last=Sephton |first=Connor |date=2017-05-17 |title=Dutch king reveals double life as an airline pilot for KLM |url=http://news.sky.com/story/dutch-king-reveals-double-life-as-an-airline-pilot-for-klm-10881947 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518003140/http://news.sky.com/story/dutch-king-reveals-double-life-as-an-airline-pilot-for-klm-10881947 |archive-date=2017-05-18 |access-date=2017-05-17 |website=]}}}} | |||
Using the name "W. A. ]", one of the least-known titles of the ], he participated in the 1986 Frisian ], a {{convert|200|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} distance ] tour.{{refn|{{Cite web |last=Teunissen |first=Bas |date=2012-10-04 |title=FAQ: eleven facts about the Eleven Cities Race |url=http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/faq-eleven-facts-about-eleven-cities-race |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317033119/http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/faq-eleven-facts-about-eleven-cities-race |archive-date=2013-03-17 |access-date=2013-01-28 |website=] |language=en-GB}}}} He ran the ] under the same pseudonym in 1992.{{refn|{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=James |date=2013-04-19 |title=Dutch abdication: Ten things you never knew about the royal family of the Netherlands |work=] |location=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/10025620/Dutch-abdication-Ten-things-you-never-knew-about-the-royal-family-of-the-Netherlands.html |url-status=live |access-date=2013-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502094751/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/10025620/Dutch-abdication-Ten-things-you-never-knew-about-the-royal-family-of-the-Netherlands.html |archive-date=2013-05-02}}}} Willem-Alexander completed both events. | |||
==Marriage and children== | |||
{{Main|Wedding of Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, and Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti}} | |||
] kiss at the balcony of the ] on their wedding day in 2002.]] | |||
On 2 February 2002, he married ]<ref name="holland">{{cite web|url=https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/getting-around/information/the-royal-family/queen-maxima.htm|title=Queen Máxima|website=Holland.com|date=6 June 2012 |quote=Máxima Zorreguieta was born in Argentina on 17 May 1971.|access-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825013611/https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/getting-around/information/the-royal-family/queen-maxima.htm|archive-date=25 August 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="koninklijkhuis">{{cite web|url=https://www.royal-house.nl/members-royal-house/queen-maxima/youth|title=Queen Máxima — Youth|website=Het Koninklijk Huis|date=15 January 2015 |quote=Queen Máxima was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 May 1971 as Máxima Zorreguieta.|access-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825014124/https://www.royal-house.nl/members-royal-house/queen-maxima/youth|archive-date=25 August 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hetloo">{{cite web|url=https://paleishetloo.nl/en/maxima-zorreguieta|title=Máxima Zorreguieta|website=Paleis Het Loo|access-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825014541/https://paleishetloo.nl/en/maxima-zorreguieta|archive-date=25 August 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> at the ] in Amsterdam. The marriage triggered significant controversy due to the role the bride's father, ], had in the ]. The couple have three daughters: ], ], and ]. | |||
] with their daughters ] (left), ] (right) and ] (center)]] | |||
{| Class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! Name || Date of birth || Place of birth || Age | |||
|- | |||
| ] || {{birth date|2003|12|7|df=yes}}|| ], ] || {{age in years|2003|12|7|df=yes}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] || {{birth date|2005|6|26|df=yes}}|| ], ] || {{age in years|2005|6|26|df=yes}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] || {{birth date|2007|4|10|df=yes}}|| ], ] || {{age in years|2007|4|10|df=yes}} | |||
|} | |||
== Privacy and the press == | |||
In an attempt to strike a balance between privacy for the royal family and availability to the press, the ] (RVD) instituted a media code on 21 June 2005 which essentially states that:{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2005-06-21 |title=Media Code |url=https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/media-information/privacy-protection/media-code |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127191905/https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/media-information/privacy-protection/media-code |archive-date=2020-11-27 |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=] |language=en-GB}}}} | |||
* Photographs of the members of the royal house while performing their duties are always permitted. | |||
* For other occasions (like holidays or vacations), the RVD will arrange a photo-op on condition that the press leave the family alone for the rest of the activity. | |||
During a ski vacation in ], several photographs were taken of the prince and his family during the private part of their holiday, including one by ] staff photographer Natacha Pisarenko, in spite of the media code, and after a photo opportunity had been provided earlier.{{refn|name="NRC_AP"|{{Cite news |date=2005-08-05 |title=Royals sue Associated Press over holiday photos |language=en-GB |work=] |url=http://www.nrc.nl/international/article2320268.ece/Royals_sue_Associated_Press_over_holiday_photos |url-status=dead |access-date=2010-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909134213/http://www.nrc.nl/international/article2320268.ece/Royals_sue_Associated_Press_over_holiday_photos |archive-date=2009-09-09}}}} The Associated Press decided to publish some of the photos, which were subsequently republished by several Dutch media. Willem-Alexander and the RVD jointly filed ] against the Associated Press on 5 August 2009, and the trial started on 14 August 2009 at the ] in Amsterdam. On 28 August 2009, the district court ruled in favour of the prince and RVD, citing that the couple has a right to privacy, that the pictures in question add nothing to any public debate, and that they are not of any particular value to society since they are not photographs of his family "at work". Associated Press was sentenced to stop further publication of the photographs, on pain of a {{Currency|1000|EUR}} fine per violation with a {{Currency|50000|EUR}} maximum.{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2009-08-28 |title=Willem-Alexander wint rechtszaak tegen AP |trans-title=Willem-Alexander wins lawsuit against AP |url=http://vorstenvroegerennu.nl/?p=273 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308034434/http://vorstenvroegerennu.nl/?p=273 |archive-date=2012-03-08 |language=nl}}}} | |||
In October 2020, Willem-Alexander apologised for a family holiday trip to Greece which had taken place while his country was under partial lockdown during the ].<ref name="Covid-Greece">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54634517|title=Covid: Dutch king expresses regret over Greek holiday scandal|work=BBC News|date=21 October 2020|access-date=15 March 2024}}</ref> He and his family cut their trip short, and in a two-minute video he stated that it "hurts to have betrayed" people's trust.<ref name="Covid-Greece"/> Earlier in August, he and his wife were photographed with a restaurant owner during another trip to Greece, which was a violation of social distancing rules at the time.<ref name="Covid-Greece"/> | |||
==Properties== | |||
From 2003 until 2019, Willem-Alexander and his family lived in Villa Eikenhorst on the De Horsten Estate in ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Villa Eikenhorst {{!}} De Horsten Royal Estates |url=https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/de-horsten-royal-estates/villa-eikenhorst |access-date=2022-06-09 |website=Royal House of the Netherlands}}</ref> After his mother abdicated and became Princess Beatrix once again, she moved to the castle of ], after which the King and his family moved to the newly renovated monarch's palace of ] in The Hague in 2019.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Drakensteyn Castle |url=https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/drakensteyn-castle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417230237/https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/drakensteyn-castle |archive-date=2021-04-17 |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=] |language=en-GB}}}} | |||
Willem-Alexander has a villa near ], Greece.{{refn|{{Cite news |date=16 April 2012 |title=Dutch prince buys villa next to James Bond actor |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17725256 |url-status=live |access-date=2013-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417034144/http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17725256 |archive-date=2012-04-17}}}} | |||
===Villa in Machangulo=== | |||
On 10 July 2008, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima announced that they had invested in a development project on the ] peninsula of ].{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2008-07-10 |title=Willem-Alexander wil huis voor kust Mozambique |trans-title=Willem-Alexander wants a house off the coast of Mozambique |url=http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/4324/Nieuws/article/detail/1280749/2008/07/10/Willem-Alexander-wil-huis-voor-kust-Mozambique.dhtml |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123105806/http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/4324/Nieuws/article/detail/1280749/2008/07/10/Willem-Alexander-wil-huis-voor-kust-Mozambique.dhtml |archive-date=2015-01-23 |access-date=2015-01-23 |website=] |language=nl}}}} The development project was aimed at building an ecologically responsible vacation resort, including a hotel and several luxury holiday homes for investors. The project was to invest heavily in the local economy of the peninsula (building schools and a local clinic) with an eye both towards responsible sustainability and maintaining a local staff.{{refn|{{Cite news |last=Waterfield |first=Bruno |date=2009-10-10 |title=Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander accused over Mozambique villa |language=en-GB |work=] |location=] |publication-place=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/6284941/Dutch-Crown-Prince-Willem-Alexander-accused-over-Mozambique-villa.html |url-status=live |access-date=2010-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601084951/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/6284941/Dutch-Crown-Prince-Willem-Alexander-accused-over-Mozambique-villa.html |archive-date=2010-06-01}}}} After contacting Mozambican President ] to verify that the Mozambican government had no objections, the couple decided to invest in two villas.{{refn|name="ADPres"|{{Cite news |date=2009-11-19 |title=Prins had contact met president Mozambique |language=nl |work=] |url=http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1012/Nederland/article/detail/2062030/2009/11/19/Prins-had-contact-met-president-Mozambique.dhtml |url-status=dead |access-date=2022-04-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123120912/http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1012/Nederland/article/detail/2062030/2009/11/19/Prins-had-contact-met-president-Mozambique.dhtml |archive-date=2015-01-23}}}} In 2009, controversy erupted in parliament and the press about the project and the prince's involvement.{{r|ADPres}} Politician ] questioned the morality of building such a resort in a poor country like Mozambique. After public and parliamentary controversy, the royal couple announced that they had decided to sell the property in Machangulo once their house was completed.{{refn|name="NRC"|{{Cite news |date=2009-11-23 |title=Crown prince bows to public pressure over Mozambique villa |language=en-GB |work=] |url=http://www.nrc.nl/international/Features/article2421003.ece/Crown_prince_bows_to_public_pressure_over_Mozambique_villa |url-status=dead |access-date=2010-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302083042/http://www.nrc.nl/international/Features/article2421003.ece/Crown_prince_bows_to_public_pressure_over_Mozambique_villa |archive-date=2010-03-02}}}} In January 2012, it was confirmed that the villa had been sold.{{refn|name="NOS_sold"|{{Cite web |date=2012-01-18 |title=Prins verkoopt villa in Mozambique |url=http://nos.nl/artikel/331249-prins-verkoopt-villa-in-mozambique.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123125934/http://nos.nl/artikel/331249-prins-verkoopt-villa-in-mozambique.html |archive-date=2015-01-23 |access-date=2015-01-23 |website=] |language=nl}}}} | |||
==Titles, styles, honours and arms== | |||
===Titles and styles=== | |||
{{See also|Style of the Dutch sovereign}} | |||
* 27 April 1967{{thinsp|–}}30 April 1980: ''His Royal Highness'' Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, Jonkheer van Amsberg | |||
* 30 April 1980{{thinsp|–}}30 April 2013: ''His Royal Highness'' The Prince of Orange | |||
* 30 April 2013{{thinsp|–}}present: ''His Majesty'' The King<ref name=abdication>{{Cite web|url=https://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/onderwerpen/titels-aanspreektitels-en-beschermheerschappen/aanspreektitels|title = Aanspreektitels - Titels, aanspreektitels en beschermheerschappen - Het Koninklijk Huis|date = 14 January 2015}}</ref> | |||
Willem-Alexander's full title is: His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, etc., etc., etc.<ref name=abdication/> | |||
Willem-Alexander is the first Dutch king since ] ({{abbr|d.|died}} 1890). Willem-Alexander had earlier indicated that when he became king, he would take the name ''Willem IV'',{{refn|name="witteman97"|{{Cite web |title=Interview met Willem-Alexander |url=http://www.racchvs.com/alex/biointerview.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070307005304/http://www.racchvs.com/alex/biointerview.htm |archive-date=2007-03-07 |access-date=2006-05-06 |language=nl}}}} but it was announced in January 2013 that his regnal name would be ''Willem-Alexander''.{{refn|name="koninklijkhuis1"|{{Cite web |title=Prince of Orange to become King Willem-Alexander |url=http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news// |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007203226/http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/globale-paginas/taalrubrieken/english/news/ |archive-date=2015-10-07 |access-date=2017-06-15 |language=en-GB}}}} | |||
===Military ranks=== | |||
] at the ] in June 2010]] | |||
] | |||
'''Royal Netherlands Navy – conscripted''' | |||
*] Lieutenant at sea, third class (]) (August 1985{{thinsp|–}}January 1987) | |||
*] Lieutenant at sea, second class (]) (watch officer, 1988) | |||
'''Royal Netherlands Navy – reserve''' | |||
*] Lieutenant at sea, second class (senior grade) (]) (1988–1995) | |||
*] Lieutenant at sea, first class (]) (1995–1997) | |||
*] Captain-lieutenant at sea (]) (1997–2001) | |||
*] ] (2001–2005) | |||
*] ] (2005–2013) | |||
'''Royal Netherlands Air Force – reserve''' | |||
*] ] (1995–2005) | |||
*] ] (2005–2013) | |||
'''Royal Netherlands Army – reserve''' | |||
*] ], ] (1995–1997) | |||
*] ] (1997–2001) | |||
*] ] (2001–2005) | |||
*] ] (2005–2013) | |||
'''] – reserve''' | |||
*] ] (2005–2013) | |||
'''King's Insignia, all services''' | |||
*] ] (2013–present) | |||
===Qualifications=== | |||
*] ] | |||
===Honours=== | |||
{{see also|List of honours of the Dutch royal family by country}} | |||
====National==== | |||
* ] Grand Master of the ] | |||
* ] Grand Master and Knight Grand Cross of the ] | |||
* ] Grand Master of the ] | |||
* ] Co-Grand Master and Knight of the ] | |||
* ] Grand Master and Grand Cross of the ] | |||
* ] Grand Master of the ] | |||
* ] Grand Master of the ] | |||
* ] Honorary Commander of the ]{{refn|{{Cite news |date=2014-12-01 |title=Koning Willem-Alexander erecommendeur van Johanniter Orde |language=nl |work=] |url=http://www.refdag.nl/kerkplein/kerknieuws/koning_willem_alexander_erecommendeur_van_johanniter_orde_1_873842 |url-status=dead |access-date=2016-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531071212/http://www.refdag.nl/kerkplein/kerknieuws/koning_willem_alexander_erecommendeur_van_johanniter_orde_1_873842 |archive-date=31 May 2016}}}} | |||
* ] Grand Master of the ] | |||
* ] Recipient of the ] | |||
* ] Recipient of the {{Interlanguage link|Officer Long Service Cross|nl|3=Onderscheidingsteken voor Langdurige Dienst als officier}} | |||
* ] Recipient of the ] | |||
* ] Recipient of the ] | |||
====Foreign==== | |||
*{{flag|Argentina}}: Collar of the ]{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2017-03-27 |title=Máxima de Holanda, anfitriona de Juliana Awada en su visita de Estado a Holanda |trans-title=Máxima of the Netherlands, hostess of Juliana Awada on her state visit to the Netherlands |url=http://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/multimedia/album/casas-reales/2017-03-27/maxima-holanda-juliana-awada-macri-rey-visita-argentina_1355855#0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518104128/http://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/multimedia/album/casas-reales/2017-03-27/maxima-holanda-juliana-awada-macri-rey-visita-argentina_1355855/ |archive-date=2017-05-18 |access-date=2017-06-15 |website=] |language=es}}}} | |||
*{{flag|Austria}}: Grand Star of the ] | |||
*{{flag|Belgium}}: | |||
** Grand Cordon of the ] (2016) | |||
** Grand Cross of the ] (1993) | |||
*{{flag|Brazil}}: Grand Cross of the ] | |||
*{{flag|Brunei}}: Member of the ] | |||
*{{flag|Cape Verde}}: Member 1st Class of the Amílcar Cabral Order (7 December 2018){{refn|{{Cite magazine |date=2018-12-07 |title=Boletim Oficial |trans-title=Official Bulletin |url=https://kiosk.incv.cv/V/2018/12/7/1.1.80.2618/p1 |url-status=live |language=pt |volume=1 |issue=80 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327085157/https://kiosk.incv.cv/V/2018/12/7/1.1.80.2618/p1 |archive-date=2022-03-27 |access-date=2019-11-11 |magazine=Imprensa Nacional de Cabo Verde}}}} | |||
*{{flag|Chile}}: Grand Cross of the ] | |||
*{{flag|Denmark}}: Knight of the ] (RE, 31 January 1998){{refn|{{Cite web |title=Ordensdetaljer |trans-title=Order details |url=https://bdkv2.borger.dk/foa/Sider/default.aspx?fk=24&foaid=213&page=1&pageSize=500 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207033319/https://bdkv2.borger.dk/foa/Sider/default.aspx?fk=24&foaid=213&page=1&pageSize=500 |archive-date=2013-12-07 |access-date=2019-11-11 |website=borger.dk |language=da}}}} | |||
*{{flag|Estonia}}: ] (5 June 2018){{refn|{{Cite web |title=Kuningas Willem-Alexander |trans-title=King Willem-Alexander |url=https://www.president.ee/en/state-decorations/bearers-of-decorations/30777-kuningas-willem-alexander |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220427050754/https://www.president.ee/en/state-decorations/bearers-of-decorations/30777-kuningas-willem-alexander |archive-date=2022-04-27 |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=Office of the President of the Republic |language=et}}}}<ref> - website of the Estionian public radio and television organisation ]</ref><ref> - website of the ]</ref> | |||
*{{flag|France}}: | |||
** Grand Cross of the ] (20 January 2014){{refn|{{Cite web |date=2014-01-20 |title=Koning krijgt grootkruis van Legioen van Eer |trans-title=King receives Grand Cross of Legion of Honour |url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/22226644/__Koning_krijgt_onderscheiding__.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123060401/http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/22226644/__Koning_krijgt_onderscheiding__.html |archive-date=2014-01-23 |website=] |language=nl}}}} | |||
** Grand Cross of the ] | |||
*{{flag|Germany}}: | |||
** Grand Cross 1st class of the ]{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Prince Willem-Alexander attends a state banquet offered by president |url=http://c7.alamy.com/comp/DAJHN6/prince-willem-alexander-attends-a-state-banquet-offered-by-president-DAJHN6.jpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403014851/http://c7.alamy.com/comp/DAJHN6/prince-willem-alexander-attends-a-state-banquet-offered-by-president-DAJHN6.jpg |archive-date=2017-04-03 |access-date=2017-06-15 |website=] |format=JPG}}}}{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Queen Beatrix Netherlands Through the Years |url=http://static.socialitelife.com/uploads/2013/01/29/Queen-Beatrix-Netherlands-Through-The-Years-01292013-14-682x517.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227060057/http://static.socialitelife.com/uploads/2013/01/29/Queen-Beatrix-Netherlands-Through-The-Years-01292013-14-682x517.jpg |archive-date=2016-12-27 |access-date=2017-06-15 |website=Socialite Life |format=JPG}}}}{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Crown Prince Willem-Alexander |url=http://c7.alamy.com/comp/DB0YK3/queen-beatrix-of-the-netherlands-bottom-and-crown-prince-willem-alexander-DB0YK3.jpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403110817/http://c7.alamy.com/comp/DB0YK3/queen-beatrix-of-the-netherlands-bottom-and-crown-prince-willem-alexander-DB0YK3.jpg |archive-date=2017-04-03 |access-date=2017-06-15 |website=] |format=JPG}}}} | |||
** Grand Cross Special Class of the ] (5 July 2021) | |||
* {{flag|Greece}}: Grand Cross of the ] (31 October 2022) | |||
*{{flag|Indonesia}}: ] 1st Class | |||
*{{flag|Italy}}: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the ] (19 June 2017){{refn|{{Cite web |title=van Oranje-Nassau S.M. Willem Alexander Claus George Decorato di Gran Cordone |trans-title=van Orange-Nassau H.M. Willem-Alexander Claus George Decorated with Grand Cordon |url=https://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/insigniti/346764 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907212830/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=346764 |archive-date=2017-09-07 |website=Presidenza della Repubblica |language=it}}}} | |||
*{{flag|Japan}}: Grand Cordon and Collar of the ] (24 October 2014){{refn|{{Cite web |title=Gaikoku hito jokun jushō-sha meibo Heisei 26-nen |script-title=ja:外国人叙勲受章者名簿 平成26年 |trans-title=List of recipients of foreign awards 2014 |url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ms/po/page22_001017.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213355/http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ms/po/page22_001017.html |archive-date=2016-03-03 |access-date=2017-06-15 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs |language=ja}}}} | |||
*{{flag|Jordan}}: Collar of the ] (20 March 2018) | |||
*{{flag|Latvia}}: Commander Grand Cross with Chain of the ] (6 June 2018){{refn|{{Cite web |title=Par Triju Zvaigžņu ordeņa piešķiršanu |trans-title=On the awarding of the Order of the Three Stars |url=https://www.vestnesis.lv/op/2018/115.1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413124450/https://www.vestnesis.lv/op/2018/115.1 |archive-date=2021-04-13 |access-date=2018-06-11 |website=Latvijas Vēstnesis |language=lv}}}} | |||
*{{flag|Lithuania}}: ] with the Golden Chain (13 June 2018){{refn|{{Cite press release |title=Royal visit crowns Lithuanian-Dutch friendship |date=2018-06-13 |location=] |url=https://www.lrp.lt/en/press-centre/press-releases/royal-visit-crowns-lithuanian-dutch-friendship/30211 |language=en-GB |access-date=2022-04-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327085156/https://www.lrp.lt/en/press-centre/press-releases/royal-visit-crowns-lithuanian-dutch-friendship/30211 |archive-date=2022-03-27 |website=President of the Republic of Lithuania}}}} | |||
*{{flag|Luxembourg}}: | |||
** Grand Cross of the ] | |||
** Grand Cross of the ] | |||
*{{flag|Mexico}}: Sash of the ] (2009) | |||
*{{flag|Norway}}: Grand Cross with Collar of the ] (1996) (2021) | |||
*{{flag|Oman}}: Recipient of the ] (10 January 2012)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.omanobserver.om/files/pdf/2012/1/11/OmanObserver_11-01-12.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401231830/http://www.omanobserver.om/files/pdf/2012/1/11/OmanObserver_11-01-12.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Oman Observer|archive-date=1 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ppe-agency.com/preview.php?start=0&id=73487&zoektype=1&search=10-01-2012+Gala|title= Fotoarchief Denieuwsfoto|website=www.ppe-agency.com}}</ref> | |||
*{{flag|Poland}}: Knight of the ] (2014) | |||
*{{flag|Portugal}}: | |||
** Grand Collar of the ] (GCollH, 10 October 2017){{refn|{{Cite web |title=Entidades Estrangeiras Agraciadas com Ordens Portuguesas |trans-title=Foreign Entities Awarded with Portuguese Orders |url=http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154&list=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409103248/https://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154&list=1 |archive-date=2022-04-09 |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=Ordens Honoríficas Portuguesas |language=pt}} }} | |||
** Grand Collar of the ] (GCol, 10 December 2024) | |||
*{{flag|Slovakia}}: Grand Cross of the ] (7 March 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prezident.sk/article/holandsky-kralovsky-par-pricestoval-na-navstevu-slovenska/|title=Holandský kráľovský pár pricestoval na návštevu Slovenska|date=7 March 2023|website=Prezidentka Slovenskej republiky}}</ref> | |||
* {{flag|South Korea}}: Recipient of the ] (12 December 2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/foto-en-video/inkomende-staatsbezoeken/president-van-republiek-korea-december-2023/ | title=President van de Republiek Korea, December 2023 - Foto en video - Het Koninklijk Huis | date=12 December 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/koninklijkhuis/status/1734673826934378597/photo/2/|title=x.com}}</ref> | |||
*{{flag|Spain}}: | |||
**Knight of the Collar of the ] (26 March 2024){{refn|{{Cite web |title=Real Decreto 349/2024|trans-title=Royal Decree 349/2024|url=https://boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2024-6171 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102819/http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2001/10/20/pdfs/A38632-38632.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Boletín Oficial del Estado |language=es}}}} | |||
** Knight Grand Cross of the ] (GYC, 19 October 2001) {{refn|{{Cite web |title=Real Decreto 1141 |trans-title=Royal Decree 1141 |url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2001/10/20/pdfs/A38632-38632.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102819/http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2001/10/20/pdfs/A38632-38632.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 |access-date=2017-06-15 |website=Boletín Oficial del Estado |language=es}}}} | |||
*{{flag|Sweden}}: Knight with Collar of the ] (RSerafO, 1993) (2022) | |||
*{{flag|Thailand}}: Knight Grand Cordon of the ]{{refn|{{Cite press release |title=Prakāṣ̄ s̄ảnạk nāykrạṭ̄hmntrī |url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/00137671.PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231082034/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/00137671.PDF |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 December 2014 |language=th |access-date=2022-04-27 |trans-title=Announcement of the Prime Minister's Office |volume=121 |issue=6B |script-title=th:ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี |website=ราชกิจจานุเบกษา}} }} | |||
*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}: Grand Cross of the Order of Union | |||
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}: Stranger Knight Companion of the ] (KG, 23 October 2018)<ref> - Dutch online newspaper ]</ref><ref> - official website of the Dutch royal house</ref> | |||
*{{flag|Venezuela}}: Grand Cross of the ] | |||
===Awards=== | |||
* ]: Recipient of the ]{{r|OlympicOrder}} (8 September 2013) | |||
===Honorary appointment=== | |||
*] to Her Majesty The Queen (until 2013) | |||
===Arms=== | |||
{{Main|Coat of arms of the Netherlands}} | |||
{{Infobox COA wide | |||
| image = Royal coat of arms of the Netherlands.svg | |||
| imagesize = 215px | |||
| bannerimage = Royal Standard of the Netherlands.svg | |||
| badgeimage = | |||
| notes = As Monarch, Willem-Alexander uses the ''']''' ({{lang|nl|Grote Rijkswapen}}). The components of the coats of arms were updated and further regulated by ] in a royal decree of 10 July 1907 and were affirmed by ] in a royal decree of 23 April 1980. | |||
| adopted = 10 July 1907 (a slightly adapted version of the original from 24 August 1815) | |||
| crest = Issuing from a coronet Or, a pair of wings joined Sable each with an arched bend Argent charged with three leaves of the lime-tree stems upward Vert. | |||
| torse = ] and ] | |||
| helm = Barred helmet | |||
| escutcheon = ], billetty ] a ] with a ] Or armed and langued ] holding in his dexter paw a ] ] hilted Or and in the sinister paw seven ]s Argent pointed and bound together Or. | |||
| supporters = Two lions rampant Or armed and langued Gules | |||
| compartment = | |||
| motto = {{ubl|{{lang|fr|italic=no|''']'''}}|''French: I will maintain (in Dutch: {{lang|nl|Ik zal handhaven}})''}} | |||
| orders = | |||
| other_elements = The monarch places this coat of arms on a ] mantle, with golden borders and tassels, lined with ]. Above the mantle is a purple pavilion again topped with the royal crown.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Coats of arms |date=14 April 2015 |url=https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/coats-of-arms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129081114/https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/coats-of-arms |archive-date=2021-11-29 |access-date=2022-04-27}}}} (Note: Although the official blazon states the mantle as purple it often looks like (dark) red. French and German purple contains more red and less blue than American or British purple.) | |||
| banner = Upon his succession to the throne, Willem-Alexander adopted the (partly modified) ], which is a square orange flag, divided in four-quarters by a nassau-blue cross. All quarters show a white and blue bugle-horn, taken from the coat of arms of the ]. In the centre of the flag is the (small) coat of arms of the Kingdom, which originates from the arms of the ], surmounted by a royal crown and surrounded by the insignia of the Grand Cross of the ]. | |||
| badge = | |||
| symbolism = The seven arrows stand for the seven provinces of the ]. | |||
| previous_versions = ] Quarterly, 1 and 3, Azure, billetty Or a lion with a coronet or armed and langued Gules holding in his dexter paw a sword Argent hilted Or and in the sinister paw seven arrows Argent pointed and bound together Or (], i.e. that of his mother, Queen Beatrix), 2 and 4, Or, and a bugle-horn Azure, langued Gules (arms of the former ]), on an inescutcheon Vert, a castle proper, on a mount of the last (arms of the ], i.e. that of his late father, ]). | |||
}} | |||
==Ancestry== | |||
Through his father, a member of the ], he is descended from families of the lower ], and through his mother, from several royal German–Dutch families such as the ], ], the ], ], and the ]. He is descended from the first king of the Netherlands, ], who was also a ruler in Luxembourg and several German states, and all subsequent Dutch monarchs. | |||
Through his mother, Willem-Alexander also descends from ] and thus from German princess ] and Swedish King ]. Through his father, he is also descended from several Dutch–Flemish families who left the ] during Spanish rule, such as the ]. His paternal great-great-grandfather Gabriel von Amsberg, a major-general of Mecklenburg, was recognized as noble as late as 1891, the family having adopted the "]" in 1795.{{refn|{{Cite web |title=Ancestors of Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands |url=http://heinbruins.nl/Alex.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227065158/http://heinbruins.nl/Alex.html |archive-date=2021-12-27 |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=Hein's Royal Genealogy Page |language=en-GB}}}}{{refn|{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopedievanh0000unse |title=Encyclopedie van het Koninklijk Huis |date=2005 |publisher=] |isbn=978-90-274-9745-1 |editor-last=Tebbe |editor-first=F. J. J. |location=] |page=17 |language=nl |trans-title=Encyclopædia of the Royal House |oclc=66011838 |ol=33221156M |editor-last2=Aerts |editor-first2=W. D. E. |editor-last3=Cruyningen |editor-first3=Arnout van |editor-last4=Klare |editor-first4=Jean |url-access=registration |via=]}}}} | |||
Willem-Alexander is a descendant of King ] and, more relevant for his succession rights, of his granddaughter ]. Under the ], King Willem-Alexander temporarily forfeited his (distant) succession rights to the ] by marrying a Roman Catholic. This right has since been restored in 2015 under the ].{{refn|{{Cite web |date=2015-03-27 |title=Willem-Alexander maakt nu kans op de Britse troon |trans-title=Willem-Alexander now has a chance at the British throne |url=http://nos.nl/artikel/2027224-willem-alexander-maakt-nu-kans-op-de-britse-troon.html |language=nl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304142123/http://nos.nl/artikel/2027224-willem-alexander-maakt-nu-kans-op-de-britse-troon.html |archive-date=2016-03-04 |access-date=2017-06-15 |website=]}}}} | |||
Finally, Willem-Alexander is also a distant descendent of ], who is held to be the ] in the Netherlands, since ], a great-great-grandson of William the Silent, is known to be a common ancestor to all current European monarchs. | |||
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| boxstyle_2 = background-color: #fb9; | |||
| boxstyle_3 = background-color: #ffc; | |||
| boxstyle_4 = background-color: #bfc; | |||
| 1 = 1. '''Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands''' | |||
| 2 = 2. ] | |||
| 3 = 3. ] | |||
| 4 = 4. ] | |||
| 5 = 5. ] | |||
| 6 = 6. ] | |||
| 7 = 7. ] | |||
| 8 = 8. ] | |||
| 9 = 9. ] | |||
| 10 = 10. Baron Georg von dem Bussche-Haddenhausen | |||
| 11 = 11. Baroness Gabriele von dem Bussche-Ippenburg | |||
| 12 = 12. ] | |||
| 13 = 13. ] | |||
| 14 = 14. ] | |||
| 15 = 15. ] | |||
}} | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
== External links == | |||
{{Commons category|2=Willem-Alexander}} | |||
{{Wikiquote|2=Willem-Alexander}} | |||
* {{Official website|https://www.royal-house.nl/members-royal-house/king-willem-alexander}} (English) | |||
* (Dutch) | |||
* {{C-SPAN|97300}} | |||
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{{s-ttl|title=]|years=2013–present}} | |||
{{s-inc|heir=]|heir-type=Heir apparent}} | |||
{{s-end}} | |||
{{Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands}} | |||
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{{Princes of Orange}} | |||
{{Dutch princes}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 02:11, 23 December 2024
King of the Netherlands since 2013
Willem-Alexander | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Formal portrait, 2013 | |||||
King of the Netherlands | |||||
Reign | 30 April 2013 (2013-04-30) – present | ||||
Inauguration | 30 April 2013 | ||||
Predecessor | Beatrix | ||||
Heiress apparent | Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange | ||||
Born | (1967-04-27) 27 April 1967 (age 57) Utrecht, Netherlands | ||||
Spouse |
Máxima Zorreguieta (m. 2002) | ||||
Issue | |||||
| |||||
House |
| ||||
Father | Claus von Amsberg | ||||
Mother | Beatrix of the Netherlands | ||||
Religion | Protestant | ||||
Signature | |||||
Military career | |||||
Service | |||||
Years of service | 1985–2013 | ||||
Rank |
| ||||
Dutch royal family |
House of Orange-Nassau |
---|
|
Extended familyPrincess Irene
Princess Margriet *
|
* Member of the Dutch royal house |
Willem-Alexander (Dutch: [ˈʋɪləm aːlɛkˈsɑndər]; Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand; born 27 April 1967) is King of the Netherlands, reigning since 30 April 2013.
Willem-Alexander was born in Utrecht during the reign of his maternal grandmother, Queen Juliana, as the eldest child of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus. He became Prince of Orange as heir apparent upon his mother's accession on 30 April 1980. He went to public primary and secondary schools in the Netherlands, and an international sixth-form college in Wales. He served in the Royal Netherlands Navy, and studied history at Leiden University. He married Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti in 2002, and they have three daughters: Catharina-Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane. Willem-Alexander succeeded his mother as monarch upon her abdication on 30 April 2013. He is the first man to hold this position since the death of his great-great-grandfather William III in 1890, as the intervening three monarchs—his great-grandmother Wilhelmina, his grandmother Juliana and his mother Beatrix—had all been women.
Willem-Alexander is interested in sports and international water management issues. Until his accession to the throne, he was a member of the International Olympic Committee (1998–2013), chairman of the Advisory Committee on Water to the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment (2004–2013), and chairman of the Secretary-General of the United Nations' Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (2006–2013).
Early life and education
Willem-Alexander was born on 27 April 1967 at the Utrecht University Hospital (now known as the University Medical Center Utrecht) in Utrecht. He is the first child of Princess Beatrix (later Queen) and Prince Claus, and the first grandchild of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard. He was the first male Dutch royal baby since the birth of Prince Alexander in 1851, and the first immediate male heir since Alexander's death in 1884.
From birth, Willem-Alexander has held the titles Prince of the Netherlands (Dutch: Prins der Nederlanden), Prince of Orange-Nassau, and Jonkheer of Amsberg. He was baptised as a member of the Dutch Reformed Church on 2 September 1967 in Saint Jacob's Church in The Hague. His godparents are his maternal grandfather Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld, his paternal grandmother Gösta Freiin von dem Bussche-Haddenhausen, Prince Ferdinand von Bismarck, former Prime Minister Jelle Zijlstra, Jonkvrouw Renée Röell, and Queen Margrethe II.
He had two younger brothers: Prince Friso (1968–2013) and Prince Constantijn (b. 1969). He lived with his family at the castle Drakensteyn in the hamlet Lage Vuursche near Baarn from his birth until 1981, when they moved to the larger palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. His mother, Beatrix, became Queen of the Netherlands in 1980, after his grandmother Juliana abdicated. He then received the title of Prince of Orange as heir apparent to the throne of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the age of 13.
Willem-Alexander attended local state primary school Nieuwe Baarnse Elementary School in Baarn from 1973 to 1979. He went to two different state secondary schools (the Baarns Lyceum in Baarn from 1979 to 1981 and the Eerste Vrijzinnig Christelijk Lyceum in The Hague from 1981 to 1983) and the private sixth-form college United World College of the Atlantic in Wales (1983 to 1985), where he received his International Baccalaureate.
After his military service from 1985 to 1987, Willem-Alexander studied history at Leiden University from 1987 onwards and received his Master of Arts degree (doctorandus) in 1993. His final thesis was on the Dutch response to France's decision under President Charles de Gaulle to leave NATO's integrated command structure.
Willem-Alexander speaks English, Spanish, French, and German (his father's native language) in addition to his native Dutch.
Military training and career
Between secondary school and his university education, Willem-Alexander performed military service in the Royal Netherlands Navy from August 1985 until January 1987. He received his training at the Royal Netherlands Naval College and in the frigates HNLMS Tromp and HNLMS Abraham Crijnssen, where he was an ensign. In 1988 he received additional training in the ship HNLMS Van Kinsbergen and became a lieutenant (junior grade) (wachtofficier).
As a reservist for the Royal Netherlands Navy, Willem-Alexander was promoted to lieutenant commander in 1995, commander in 1997, Captain at Sea in 2001, and commodore in 2005. As a reservist for the Royal Netherlands Army, he was made a major (Grenadiers' and Rifles Guard Regiment) in 1995, and was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1997, colonel in 2001, and brigadier general in 2005. As a reservist for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, he was made squadron leader in 1995 and promoted to air commodore in 2005. As a reservist for the Royal Marechaussee, he was made brigadier general in 2005.
Before his investiture as king in 2013, Willem-Alexander was honourably discharged from the armed forces. The government declared that the head of state cannot be a serving member of the armed forces, since the government itself holds supreme command over the armed forces. As king, Willem-Alexander may choose to wear a military uniform with royal insignia, but not with his former rank insignia.
Activities and social interests
Since 1985, when he became 18 years old, Willem-Alexander has been a member of the Council of State of the Netherlands. This is the highest council of the Dutch political system and is chaired by the head of state (then Queen Beatrix).
Willem-Alexander is interested in water management and sports issues. He was an honorary member of the World Commission on Water for the 21st century and patron of the Global Water Partnership, a body established by the World Bank, the UN, and the Swedish Ministry of Development. He was appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Secretary General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation on 12 December 2006.
On 10 October 2010, Willem-Alexander and Máxima went to the Netherlands Antilles' capital, Willemstad, to attend and represent his mother, the Queen, at the Antillean Dissolution ceremony.
He was a patron of the Dutch Olympic Games Committee until 1998 when he was made a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). After becoming King, he relinquished his membership and received the Gold Olympic Order at the 125th IOC Session. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam, he had expressed support to bid for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
He was a member of the supervisory board of De Nederlandsche Bank (the Dutch central bank), a member of the Advisory Council of ECP (the information society forum for government, business and civil society), patron of Veterans' Day and held several other patronages and posts.
Reign
See also: List of overseas trips made by Willem-Alexander of the NetherlandsOn 28 January 2013, Beatrix announced her intention to abdicate. On the morning of 30 April 2013 (Koninginnedag), Beatrix signed the instrument of abdication at the Moseszaal (Moses Hall) at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Later that afternoon, Willem-Alexander was inaugurated as king before a joint session of the States General in a ceremony held at the Nieuwe Kerk.
As king, Willem-Alexander has weekly meetings with the prime minister and speaks regularly with ministers and state secretaries. He also signs all new Acts of Parliament and royal decrees. He represents the kingdom at home and abroad. At the State Opening of Parliament, he delivers the Speech from the Throne, which announces the plans of the government for the parliamentary year. The Constitution requires that the king appoint, dismiss and swear in all government ministers and state secretaries. As king, he is also the President of the Council of State, an advisory body that reviews proposed legislation. In modern practice, the monarch seldom chairs council meetings.
At his accession at age 46, he was Europe's youngest monarch. He is currently third-youngest after Frederik X of Denmark and Felipe VI of Spain. He is also the first male monarch of the Netherlands since the death of his great-great-grandfather William III in 1890. Willem-Alexander was one of four new sovereign monarchs in 2013 along with Pope Francis, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, and King Philippe of Belgium.
Other activities
Willem-Alexander is an avid pilot and has said that if he had not been a royal, he would have liked to be an airline pilot so he could fly internationally on large-sized aircraft such as the Boeing 747. During the reign of his mother, he regularly flew the Dutch royal aircraft on trips. However, in May 2017, Willem-Alexander revealed that he had served as a first officer on KLM flights for 21 years, flying KLM Cityhopper's Fokker 70s twice a month, even after his accession to the throne. Following KLM's phased retirement of the Fokker 70, he began training to fly Boeing 737s. Willem-Alexander was rarely recognized while in the KLM uniform and wearing the KLM cap, though a few passengers recognized his voice, even though he never gave his name and only welcomed passengers on behalf of the captain and crew.
Using the name "W. A. van Buren", one of the least-known titles of the House of Orange-Nassau, he participated in the 1986 Frisian Elfstedentocht, a 200-kilometre-long (120 mi) distance ice skating tour. He ran the New York City Marathon under the same pseudonym in 1992. Willem-Alexander completed both events.
Marriage and children
Main article: Wedding of Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, and Máxima Zorreguieta CerrutiOn 2 February 2002, he married Máxima Zorreguieta at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. The marriage triggered significant controversy due to the role the bride's father, Jorge Zorreguieta, had in the Argentinian military dictatorship. The couple have three daughters: The Princess of Orange, Princess Alexia, and Princess Ariane.
Name | Date of birth | Place of birth | Age |
---|---|---|---|
Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange | (2003-12-07)7 December 2003 | The Hague, Netherlands | 21 |
Princess Alexia of the Netherlands | (2005-06-26)26 June 2005 | The Hague, Netherlands | 19 |
Princess Ariane of the Netherlands | (2007-04-10)10 April 2007 | The Hague, Netherlands | 17 |
Privacy and the press
In an attempt to strike a balance between privacy for the royal family and availability to the press, the Netherlands Government Information Service (RVD) instituted a media code on 21 June 2005 which essentially states that:
- Photographs of the members of the royal house while performing their duties are always permitted.
- For other occasions (like holidays or vacations), the RVD will arrange a photo-op on condition that the press leave the family alone for the rest of the activity.
During a ski vacation in Argentina, several photographs were taken of the prince and his family during the private part of their holiday, including one by Associated Press staff photographer Natacha Pisarenko, in spite of the media code, and after a photo opportunity had been provided earlier. The Associated Press decided to publish some of the photos, which were subsequently republished by several Dutch media. Willem-Alexander and the RVD jointly filed suit against the Associated Press on 5 August 2009, and the trial started on 14 August 2009 at the district court in Amsterdam. On 28 August 2009, the district court ruled in favour of the prince and RVD, citing that the couple has a right to privacy, that the pictures in question add nothing to any public debate, and that they are not of any particular value to society since they are not photographs of his family "at work". Associated Press was sentenced to stop further publication of the photographs, on pain of a €1,000 fine per violation with a €50,000 maximum.
In October 2020, Willem-Alexander apologised for a family holiday trip to Greece which had taken place while his country was under partial lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his family cut their trip short, and in a two-minute video he stated that it "hurts to have betrayed" people's trust. Earlier in August, he and his wife were photographed with a restaurant owner during another trip to Greece, which was a violation of social distancing rules at the time.
Properties
From 2003 until 2019, Willem-Alexander and his family lived in Villa Eikenhorst on the De Horsten Estate in Wassenaar. After his mother abdicated and became Princess Beatrix once again, she moved to the castle of Drakensteyn, after which the King and his family moved to the newly renovated monarch's palace of Huis ten Bosch in The Hague in 2019.
Willem-Alexander has a villa near Kranidi, Greece.
Villa in Machangulo
On 10 July 2008, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima announced that they had invested in a development project on the Mozambican peninsula of Machangulo. The development project was aimed at building an ecologically responsible vacation resort, including a hotel and several luxury holiday homes for investors. The project was to invest heavily in the local economy of the peninsula (building schools and a local clinic) with an eye both towards responsible sustainability and maintaining a local staff. After contacting Mozambican President Armando Guebuza to verify that the Mozambican government had no objections, the couple decided to invest in two villas. In 2009, controversy erupted in parliament and the press about the project and the prince's involvement. Politician Alexander Pechtold questioned the morality of building such a resort in a poor country like Mozambique. After public and parliamentary controversy, the royal couple announced that they had decided to sell the property in Machangulo once their house was completed. In January 2012, it was confirmed that the villa had been sold.
Titles, styles, honours and arms
Titles and styles
See also: Style of the Dutch sovereign- 27 April 1967 – 30 April 1980: His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, Jonkheer van Amsberg
- 30 April 1980 – 30 April 2013: His Royal Highness The Prince of Orange
- 30 April 2013 – present: His Majesty The King
Willem-Alexander's full title is: His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, etc., etc., etc.
Willem-Alexander is the first Dutch king since Willem III (d. 1890). Willem-Alexander had earlier indicated that when he became king, he would take the name Willem IV, but it was announced in January 2013 that his regnal name would be Willem-Alexander.
Military ranks
Royal Netherlands Navy – conscripted
- Lieutenant at sea, third class (Ensign) (August 1985 – January 1987)
- Lieutenant at sea, second class (Sub-lieutenant) (watch officer, 1988)
Royal Netherlands Navy – reserve
- Lieutenant at sea, second class (senior grade) (Lieutenant) (1988–1995)
- Lieutenant at sea, first class (Lieutenant Commander) (1995–1997)
- Captain-lieutenant at sea (Commander) (1997–2001)
- Captain at Sea (2001–2005)
- Commodore (2005–2013)
Royal Netherlands Air Force – reserve
- Squadron Leader (1995–2005)
- Air Commodore (2005–2013)
Royal Netherlands Army – reserve
- Major, Grenadiers' and Rifles Guard Regiment (1995–1997)
- Lieutenant colonel (1997–2001)
- Colonel (2001–2005)
- Brigadier general (2005–2013)
Royal Marechaussee – reserve
- Brigadier general (2005–2013)
King's Insignia, all services
- Royal insignia as King (2013–present)
Qualifications
Honours
See also: List of honours of the Dutch royal family by countryNational
- Grand Master of the Military William Order
- Grand Master and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
- Grand Master of the Order of Orange-Nassau
- Co-Grand Master and Knight of the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
- Grand Master and Grand Cross of the Order of the House of Orange
- Grand Master of the Order of the Crown
- Grand Master of the Order for Loyalty and Merit
- Honorary Commander of the Order of Saint John in the Netherlands
- Grand Master of the Order of the Golden Ark
- Recipient of the Eleven Cities Cross
- Recipient of the Officer Long Service Cross [nl]
- Recipient of the Queen Beatrix Inauguration Medal
- Recipient of the Wedding Medal of Prince Willem-Alexander to Máxima Zorreguieta
Foreign
- Argentina: Collar of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín
- Austria: Grand Star of the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria
- Belgium:
- Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold (2016)
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (1993)
- Brazil: Grand Cross of the National Order of the Southern Cross
- Brunei: Member of the Family Order of Laila Utama
- Cape Verde: Member 1st Class of the Amílcar Cabral Order (7 December 2018)
- Chile: Grand Cross of the Order of the Merit
- Denmark: Knight of the Order of the Elephant (RE, 31 January 1998)
- Estonia: Collar of the Cross of Terra Mariana (5 June 2018)
- France:
- Grand Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honour (20 January 2014)
- Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit
- Germany:
- Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (5 July 2021)
- Greece: Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer (31 October 2022)
- Indonesia: Star of Mahaputera 1st Class
- Italy: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (19 June 2017)
- Japan: Grand Cordon and Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (24 October 2014)
- Jordan: Collar of the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali (20 March 2018)
- Latvia: Commander Grand Cross with Chain of the Order of the Three Stars (6 June 2018)
- Lithuania: Order of Vytautas the Great with the Golden Chain (13 June 2018)
- Luxembourg:
- Grand Cross of the Order of Adolphe of Nassau
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Oak Crown
- Mexico: Sash of the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle (2009)
- Norway: Grand Cross with Collar of the Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav (1996) (2021)
- Oman: Recipient of the Supreme Order of the Renaissance of Oman (10 January 2012)
- Poland: Knight of the Order of the White Eagle (2014)
- Portugal:
- Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (GCollH, 10 October 2017)
- Grand Collar of the Military Order of Christ (GCol, 10 December 2024)
- Slovakia: Grand Cross of the Order of the White Double Cross (7 March 2023)
- South Korea: Recipient of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa (12 December 2023)
- Spain:
- Knight of the Collar of the Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III (26 March 2024)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic (GYC, 19 October 2001)
- Sweden: Knight with Collar of the Royal Order of the Seraphim (RSerafO, 1993) (2022)
- Thailand: Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of Chula Chom Klao
- United Arab Emirates: Grand Cross of the Order of Union
- United Kingdom: Stranger Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG, 23 October 2018)
- Venezuela: Grand Cross of the Order of the Liberator
Awards
- International Olympic Committee: Recipient of the Gold Olympic Order (8 September 2013)
Honorary appointment
- Aide-de-camp to Her Majesty The Queen (until 2013)
Arms
Main article: Coat of arms of the Netherlands
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Ancestry
Through his father, a member of the House of Amsberg, he is descended from families of the lower German nobility, and through his mother, from several royal German–Dutch families such as the House of Lippe, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, the House of Orange-Nassau, Waldeck and Pyrmont, and the House of Hohenzollern. He is descended from the first king of the Netherlands, William I of the Netherlands, who was also a ruler in Luxembourg and several German states, and all subsequent Dutch monarchs.
Through his mother, Willem-Alexander also descends from Paul I of Russia and thus from German princess Catherine the Great and Swedish King Gustav I. Through his father, he is also descended from several Dutch–Flemish families who left the Low Countries during Spanish rule, such as the Berenbergs. His paternal great-great-grandfather Gabriel von Amsberg, a major-general of Mecklenburg, was recognized as noble as late as 1891, the family having adopted the "von" in 1795.
Willem-Alexander is a descendant of King George II and, more relevant for his succession rights, of his granddaughter Princess Augusta of Great Britain. Under the British Act of Settlement, King Willem-Alexander temporarily forfeited his (distant) succession rights to the throne of the United Kingdom by marrying a Roman Catholic. This right has since been restored in 2015 under the Succession to the Crown Act 2013.
Finally, Willem-Alexander is also a distant descendent of William the Silent, who is held to be the Father of the Nation in the Netherlands, since John William Friso, a great-great-grandson of William the Silent, is known to be a common ancestor to all current European monarchs.
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References
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Queen Máxima was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 May 1971 as Máxima Zorreguieta.
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- Willem-Alexander benoemd tot ridder in Orde van de Kousenband - Dutch online newspaper NU.nl
- King and Queen to visit Windsor: investuture in the Order of the Garter - official website of the Dutch royal house
- "Coats of arms". 2015-04-14. Archived from the original on 2021-11-29. Retrieved 2022-04-27.
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- Tebbe, F. J. J.; Aerts, W. D. E.; Cruyningen, Arnout van; Klare, Jean, eds. (2005). Encyclopedie van het Koninklijk Huis [Encyclopædia of the Royal House] (in Dutch). Utrecht: Winkler Prins. p. 17. ISBN 978-90-274-9745-1. OCLC 66011838. OL 33221156M – via Internet Archive.
- "Willem-Alexander maakt nu kans op de Britse troon" [Willem-Alexander now has a chance at the British throne]. Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (in Dutch). 2015-03-27. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
External links
- Official website (English)
- Official website (Dutch)
- Appearances on C-SPAN
Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands House of Orange-NassauBorn: 27 April 1967 | ||
Regnal titles | ||
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VacantTitle last held byAlexander | Prince of Orange 1980–2013 |
Succeeded byCatharina-Amalia |
Dutch royalty | ||
Preceded byBeatrix | King of the Netherlands 2013–present |
Incumbent Heir apparent: Catharina-Amalia |
Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands | ||
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Born (1967-04-27) 27 April 1967 (age 57) | ||
Monarchies |
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Reign | ||
Ancestry | ||
Family |
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- 1967 births
- Collars of the Order of the Liberator General San Martin
- Dutch aviators
- 21st-century Dutch monarchs
- Dutch people of German descent
- Extra Knights Companion of the Garter
- Grand Collars of the Order of Prince Henry
- Grand Crosses Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Grand Crosses with Golden Chain of the Order of Vytautas the Great
- House of Orange-Nassau
- Dutch International Olympic Committee members
- Jonkheers of Amsberg
- Knights Grand Cordon of the Order of Chula Chom Klao
- Recipients of the Order of Al-Hussein bin Ali
- Knights Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
- Knights Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Leiden University alumni
- Living people
- Members of the Council of State (Netherlands)
- People educated at a United World College
- People educated at Atlantic College
- People from Utrecht (city)
- People from Wassenaar
- Princes of Orange-Nassau
- Princes of Orange
- Protestant Church Christians from the Netherlands
- Recipients of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa
- Recipients of the Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
- Recipients of the Cross of Recognition
- Recipients of the Olympic Order
- Recipients of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
- Royal Netherlands Navy officers
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Grand Masters of the Order of Orange-Nassau
- Knights of the Order of Saint John in the Netherlands
- Sons of queens regnant