Profile of Queen Beatrix

BEATRIX WILHELMINA ARMGARD is the Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Princess of Oranje Nassau, Princess of Lippe- Biesterfeld

She was born on January 30, 1938, in Soestdijk palace and is the eldest daughter of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard van Lippe-Biesterfeld. Because the Netherlands was occupied by Germany during World War II, part of her childhood was spent in Canada (May 1940 - summer 1945). At the age of 18, in accordance with the law, Beatrix became a member of the State Council and was installed on February 7, 1956.

In March 1956, she officially became a member of the Dutch Reformed Church (confirmed at Nieuwe Zijdskapel, Amsterdam). Having obtained her Gymnasium A diploma in Baam on June 2, 1956, Beatrix continued her studies at the State University of Leyden and graduated in law on July 7, 1961.

In 1963 she moved to Drakensteyn castle in Lage Vuursche.

On March 10, 1966, Beatrix was married at the Westerkerk, Amsterdam to German diplomat Claus George Willem Otto Fredrik von Amsberg. They have three sons: Willem Alexander (b. April 27, 1967), Johan Friso (b. September 25, 1968) and Constantijn (b. October 11, 1969).

On April 30, 1980, Beatrix was crowned as Queen at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam.