Princess Margriet of the Netherlands

Princess Margriet Francisca of the Netherlands, born on 19 January 1943, holds a unique and significant place within the Dutch Royal House. As the third daughter of the revered former monarch Queen Juliana and her consort Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld, her birth itself is a remarkable historical footnote, deeply interwoven with World War II and the strong bonds between the Netherlands and Canada.

A Unique Royal Birth: The Canadian Connection

Princess Margriet’s birth in Ottawa, Canada, was necessitated by the circumstances of World War II. During the German occupation of the Netherlands, Queen Juliana, then Princess Juliana, sought refuge in Canada with her daughters Beatrix and Irene. To ensure that Princess Margriet would be born a Dutch citizen, thus preserving her eligibility for the line of succession to the Dutch throne, the Canadian government took an unprecedented diplomatic step. The maternity ward at the Ottawa Civic Hospital where she was born was temporarily declared extraterritorial. This meant, for the duration of the birth, the specific hospital room was considered Dutch territory, ensuring her birth occurred on sovereign Dutch soil in all but name. Her middle name, Francisca, was chosen as a tribute to the Canadian people and their hospitality during the war. This extraordinary event forged an enduring bond between Princess Margriet and Canada, a country she frequently revisits for official engagements and commemorative events.

Role Within the Dutch Royal House and Line of Succession

As the aunt of the reigning monarch, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Princess Margriet remains an active and integral member of the Dutch Royal House. While no longer exercising constitutional powers, her position is formally recognized, and she undertakes numerous representative duties. She is currently eighth and the last person in the official line of succession to the Dutch throne. This position reflects the established rules of succession, which prioritize direct descendants of the monarch and then extend to other close relatives, with the line concluding at a specific degree of kinship. Despite her distant place in the succession, her connection to the monarchy is profound, given her direct lineage from former queens and her consistent dedication to royal service.

Official Engagements and Patronages

Princess Margriet has dedicated her life to public service, consistently representing the monarch at a wide array of official and semi-official events, both domestically and internationally. Her duties often involve engagements that underscore the Netherlands' historical ties and international partnerships. Notably, her roles frequently take her back to Canada, where she participates in events commemorating the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian forces and celebrates the ongoing friendship between the two nations. Furthermore, Princess Margriet holds the significant patronage of the Dutch merchant navy. This role involves attending events that highlight the importance of the maritime sector to the Dutch economy and its rich seafaring history, demonstrating her commitment to various facets of Dutch society and its global presence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Princess Margriet

Where was Princess Margriet born?

Princess Margriet Francisca was born at the Ottawa Civic Hospital in Ottawa, Canada, on 19 January 1943.

Why was she born in Canada?

She was born in Canada because her mother, then Princess Juliana, and her family were in exile there during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. The Canadian government temporarily declared the hospital room extraterritorial to ensure her Dutch citizenship.

What is Princess Margriet's relationship to King Willem-Alexander?

Princess Margriet is the aunt of the reigning monarch, King Willem-Alexander. She is the sister of his mother, former Queen Beatrix, and the daughter of his grandparents, Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard.

Is Princess Margriet in the line of succession to the Dutch throne?

Yes, Princess Margriet is currently eighth and the last person in the official line of succession to the Dutch throne.

What are some of Princess Margriet's official duties?

Princess Margriet frequently represents the monarch at official and semi-official events, including diplomatic functions, cultural celebrations, and commemorative ceremonies. She often travels to Canada for events highlighting the strong ties between the two countries and is a patron of the Dutch merchant navy.