Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands

Date of Birth: April 27, 1967

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand was born on April 27, 1967, in Utrecht, Netherlands. He is the eldest son of Princess Beatrix, who later became Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and Prince Claus of the Netherlands. Willem-Alexander attended primary and secondary school in the Netherlands before studying history at the University of Leiden, where he graduated in 1993. After his studies, Willem-Alexander served in the Royal Netherlands Navy and held various ranks. He also became involved in numerous social and cultural activities, focusing on water management, international sports, and health. He married Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti, an Argentine investment banker, on February 2, 2002. The couple has three daughters. On April 30, 2013, Willem-Alexander ascended to the throne as King of the Netherlands following the abdication of his mother, Queen Beatrix. His reign has been marked by efforts to modernize the monarchy and engage with Dutch citizens through various public appearances and initiatives.

5 Interesting Facts about Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands

1. Willem-Alexander is the first Dutch king in 123 years, following a line of three queens.

2. He is an avid sportsman and participated in the 1986 Elfstedentocht, a famous long-distance skating event in the Netherlands.

3. Willem-Alexander has a keen interest in water management and was appointed Chair of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation in 2006.

4. His official title before becoming king was “Prince of Orange.”

5. He is multilingual, fluent in Dutch, English, German, and has a reasonable command of Spanish.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands

1. “The monarchy is not a goal in itself. It is only a means to serve the people.”

2. “I want to be a king who can unite and represent society, and who can encourage people to make the best of themselves.”

3. “Water management is the Netherlands’ historical strength, and we must continue to innovate and share our knowledge with the world.”

4. “A king is there for all the people, regardless of their background, and must work tirelessly for the common good.”

5. “We must never forget that freedom and democracy are not self-evident; they require constant effort and vigilance.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Willem-Alexander’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $48 million.

Children

Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have three daughters: 1. Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange (born December 7, 2003) 2. Princess Alexia (born June 26, 2005) 3. Princess Ariane (born April 10, 2007)