King Willem-Alexander was born, Prince Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand on 27th April 1967. His parents were The Netherlands' Crown Princess, Princess Beatrix of Orange and Prince Claus. At the time of his birth, his grandmother Queen Juliana was the reigning monarch. Willem-Alexander was born as 2nd in line to the throne after his mother. He was the first male heir to the throne to be born since his Great Grandmother's brother, Prince Alexander in 1851. In 1980 upon the abdication of his grandmother Willem-Alexander became the heir apparent and in 2013 when Queen Beatrix abdicated he became King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, the first king since his Great Great Grandfather, William III in 1890.
Willem-Alexander grew up with his two younger brothers, Prince Friso (1968) and Prince Constantijn (1969). Willem-Alexander attended school in The Netherlands until 1983. In 1981 he was sent to boarding school at The United World College of The Atlantic in Wales where he completed his final two years of school. Willem-Alexander then spent two years in the Dutch army before attending university. Whilst in the army The Prince served in the Navy. Later on he also underwent aviation training. In 2005 Willem-Alexander reached the rank of Brigadier-General.
As future King of The Netherlands Willem-Alexander took on many roles from a young age. He is a member of The Council of State of The Netherlands. Willem-Alexander has a strong interest in water conservation. In his down time Willem-Alexander enjoys air crafts, ice skating and is a keen sportsman.
King Willem-Alexander married Maxima Cerruti on 2nd February 2002. They have three daughters;
1). Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange (7th December 2003)
2). Princess Alexia (26th June 2005)
3). Princess Ariane (10th April 2007)
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