Beatrix is the former Queen of The Netherlands and the mother of current ruler, King Willem-Alexander. She was born Princess Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard of The Netherlands to Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard. Beatrix is the eldest of their four daughters and was born during the reign of her grandmother, Queen Wilhelmina. When The Princess was born on January 31st 1938 she was 2nd in line to the Dutch Throne.
Beatrix's early childhood was marred y the Nazi invasion of The Netherlands in 1940. The 2 year old Beatrix, her one year old sister Irene and their parents and grandmother evacuated to London. A month later Princess Juliana took her young daughter to Canada whilst her mother and husband remained in London. Beatrix spent the next five years living in Ottawa, Canada. During this time her second sister, Princess Margriet was born, in 1943. Beatrix began her schooling in Canada and attended Rockcliffe Park Public School.
On 5th August 1945 at the age of 7.5 the Dutch Royal family returned to The Netherlands. Princess Beatrix began her education at Bilthoven. In 1947 Beatrix's third and youngest sister, Princess Christina was born. In 1948 at the age of Queen Wilhelmina abdicated, and Beatrix's mother became Queen Juliana of The Netherlands and Beatrix became heiress to the Dutch throne.
After finishing school Beatrix attended Leiden University and studied sociology, economics, constitutional law, parliamentary history and jurisprudence. Whilst completing her studies The Princess began cultivating relationships with organisations in Europe's major cities. Beatrix was also active on campus, particularly in the Female Students Union. Princess Beatrix graduated with a law degree.
In 1980 Queen Juliana stepped down and Beatrix became Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands. She ensured she had weekly meetings with the Prime Minister and had a hand in forming cabinet.
On the personal side of things Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg on March 10th 1966. The marriage caused controversy as Claus was German, and had been a member of the Hitler Youth. The marriage prevailed and Claus and Beatrix has three sons together;
1). King Willem-Alexander (1967)
2). Prince Friso (1968)
3). Prince Constantijn (1969)
Claus and Beatrix also have 8 grandchildren; Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane (Willem-Alexander), Countess Luana & Countess Zaria (Friso) and Countess Eloise, Count Claus-Casimir and Countess Leonore (Constantijn). Sadly her middle son Prince Friso passed away on August 12th 2013.
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