The Prince of Orange
Prince Willem-Alexander, as the eldest child of Queen Beatrix, is first in line of succession to the throne. Since his mother’s investiture on 30 April 1980, he has borne the title Prince of Orange, which has been held by the heir to the throne since 1815. The Prince is married to Princess Máxima. They have three daughters, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane.
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Youth
Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand, Prince of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau and Jonkheer van Amsberg, was born in the University Hospital, Utrecht, on 27 April 1967, the first child of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus.
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Education
Prince Willem-Alexander received his primary education at the Nieuwe Baarnse School in Baarn and started his secondary education at the Baarns Lyceum.
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Marriage and family
On 30 March 2001, Prince Willem-Alexander became engaged to Miss Máxima Zorreguieta. On 3 July 2001, the two houses of parliament passed a bill submitted by the government consenting to the marriage.
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Military career
The Prince performed his military service in the Royal Netherlands Navy. He is aide-de-camp extraordinary to Her Majesty the Queen.
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Civilian life
After his extensive introductory programme with the armed services, Prince Willem-Alexander spent some time studying Dutch society, with a focus on the legal system.
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Water management and spatial planning
Since 1997, the Prince has been closely involved in the field of water management, in both the Netherlands and elsewhere.
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Sport
The Prince has a passion for sport. It is more than a personal interest, as he is involved with sport at a high level, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
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Flying
Flying is another of the Prince’s great interests. In 1985, he obtained his Private Pilot’s Licence (Second Class), followed by his Commercial Pilot’s Licence (with an Instrument Rating) in 1987.
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