King Willem Alexander

Willem-Alexander was born on April 27, 1967, in Utrecht as the eldest child of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus. He grew up at Drakensteyn Castle in Lage Vuursche and attended the Nieuwe Baarnsche School and later the Baarnsch Lyceum. When his mother became queen in 1980, he automatically received the title Prince of Orange. After completing his military service, he began studying history at Leiden University in 1987, following in the footsteps of his mother and grandmother. He joined the student association Minerva and was known for his love of student life, earning him the nickname "Prins Pils" (Prince Beer). He lived with three housemates at Rapenburg 116. In 1986, he participated in the Elfstedentocht under the alias W.A. van Buren. His choice of a Playboy tracksuit and Marlboro jacket stirred media attention but highlighted his sporty personality. He later earned his pilot’s license and became a guest pilot for KLM Cityhopper, where he still flies regularly. At the 1996 Olympics, he exuberantly celebrated the Dutch women’s field hockey team's bronze win, drawing both criticism and admiration. In 2001, he became engaged to Máxima Zorreguieta. Despite concerns over her father’s political past, Máxima quickly became beloved. The couple married on February 2, 2002, and have three daughters: Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane. On April 30, 2013, Willem-Alexander succeeded his mother as king. Since then, he has championed issues like water management and international diplomacy. His down-to-earth, approachable style makes him a modern monarch who resonates with many Dutch citizens.