Way back in 2002 before he became the King of The Netherlands, the heir to the Dutch throne Willem-Alexander married a lovely lady from Argentina, Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti from Argentina.
The marriage was a bit of a scandal as Maxima's father was the Minister of Agriculture in Argentina during the time Argentina was ruled by dictator Videla. Videla was responsible for many atrocities and deaths. Despite her father's claim that he knew nothing about the 'dirty war' fought by Videla it was discovered that a person in his high position would have known about what was going on. The Dutch parliament still gave permission for Willem-Alexander and Maxima to marry, sadly Jorge Zorreguieta was not allowed to attend his daughter's wedding due to his involvement in the Argentinian dictatorship. Maxima's mother also did not attend as she refused to go without her husband.
Never the less on February 2nd 2002 (2/2/2002) Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima married in front of the groom's mother Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands as well as many other family and friends.
The happy couple!!!
The stunning bride. One of the most beautiful of all the royal wedding dresses. I love that the bouquet doesn't take from the outfit. Th collar is high but it suits Maxima.
Close up shot so you can see her tiara. Queen Beatrix lent the Pearl Button Tiara to Maxima for her wedding day. The Pearl buttons were switched for stars brooches that were once owned by Queen Emma of The Netherlands.
Aside from the bride & groom there were many royal guests from all over in attendance;
Groom's Family: Proud parents, Queen Beatrix and her husband Prince Claus
Groom's Family: Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien
Groom's Family: Prince Friso saying a speech on his big brother's special day
The entire Swedish royal family attended: King Carl XVI Gustaf & Queen Silvia
Crown Prince Victoria of Sweden & Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan (weddings are a time when the royals mix & mingle!)
The younger Swedish royals: Princess Madeleine and Prince Carl Philip of Sweden
Monaco Represented: Prince Albert II
Princess Caroline of Monaco & Hanover and Prince Ernst August of Hanover
3 Generations of Luxembourg royals: Former Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg
Prince Guillaume and Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg (Henri's younger brother)
Prince Laurent of Belgium with Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Guillaume
King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium
Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium (before they became King & Queen)
Rarely seen at weddings - Prince Charles of Wales. Queen Noor of Jordan is next to him
Also from across the pond...Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex
From Denmark we have Crown Prince Frederik
Leading the Norwegian family: King Harald V and Queen Sonja
Norway's Crown and Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit (they look so young!!!)
Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her fiance Ari Behn (taking notes I hope!)
The Spaniards: Queen Sofia of Spain with hers on Prince Felipe (now he's the King!)
Infanta Cristina of Spain and her husband Inaki Urdangarin
King Constantin and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece
There were also some non-royals in attendance as well such as;
Secretary General of the UN Kofi Annan and his wife
Bride's Family: Maxima's brother Martin standing in for her father
Lastly - The bridal party photo:
The whole family
Stay tuned for part two when we look at their pre-wedding party next Wednesday!!!
