Marriage and family
On 28 June 1965, Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard announced the engagement of Princess Beatrix and the German diplomat Claus von Amsberg (1926-2002) in radio and television broadcasts.
Permission to marry
Before the wedding could take place parliament had to be asked for permission. In autumn 1965, the two houses of parliament passed a bill consenting to the marriage. Claus von Amsberg immediately became a Dutch citizen.
Marriage
Princess Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg on 10 March 1966. The ceremony was conducted by the Mayor of Amsterdam, Gijsbert van Hall.
After the civil ceremony in Amsterdam City Hall, the marriage was blessed in the Westerkerk by Rev. Hendrik Jan Kater, with a sermon by Rev. Johannes Hendrik Sillevis Smitt.
On the same day, Claus von Amsberg received the title of Prince of the Netherlands and the designation Jonkheer van Amsberg.
Grandchildren
Princess Beatrix has eight grandchildren:
- Eloise (born on 8 June 2002), daughter of Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien;
- Catharina-Amalia (born on 7 December 2003), daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima;
- Claus-Casimir (born on 21 March 2004), son of Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien;
- Luana (born on 26 March 2005), daughter of Prince Friso and Princess Mabel;
- Alexia (born on 26 June 2005), daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima;
- Leonore (born on 3 June 2006), daughter of Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien;
- Zaria (born on 18 June 2006), daughter of Prince Friso and Princess Mabel;
- Ariane (born on 10 April 2007), daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.