Willem-Alexander to be first Dutch king in 123 years

AMSTERDAM — Even the future king of the Netherlands sowed some wild oats as a student when he was known as the king of pilsner because of his love of beer.

A few years later, Willem-Alexander became a serious U.N. expert on water and environmental protection. His princess – Maxima, 41, from Argentina – and his three daughters – Amalia, 9; Alexia, 7; and Ariane, 5 – have made the 45-year-old crown prince envied among many of Europe’s royals.

Willem-Alexander in past years has represented the Dutch monarchy in and outside the country on behalf of his mother, Queen Beatrix, who on Monday said she would abdicate, clearing the way for Willem-Alexander to become the first male monarch in the country in more than 120 years.

Willem-Alexander has been the queen’s stand-in so frequently that some in the Netherlands had asked whether Willem-Alexander might become a sort of Prince Charles behind the dikes, a reference to the 65-year-old British crown prince whose mother, 86-year-old Queen Elizabeth II, has been on the thrown for more than 60 years. But unlike Britain, where monarchs mostly reign until death, abdication is more common in the Netherlands.

Although it sometimes has been rumored that he is impatient, Willem-Alexander has always appeared outwardly as his mother’s most important supporter. Friendly and demure, he has appeared as though he has appreciated the duties of a king in waiting.

He took the advice of his father, German-born Prince Claus, and took an interest in water management – fitting for a country that has reclaimed 20 percent of its land from the sea, runs a huge system of canals and pump stations and is vulnerable to climate change. His father died in 2002.

For many years, the prince worked as an adviser to the United Nations on water management. A sports enthusiast, he also was a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Like his mother, Willem-Alexander studied at the University of Leiden and graduated in 1993 with a degree in history. One of his professors called him “not intellectual, but intelligent,” which was well-received by the Dutch public.

As prince of Orange, he served in the Dutch Royal Navy from August 1985 to January 1987.

He also received much public praise for marrying a commoner equally as attractive as she is down-to-earth, which helped strengthen the family’s reputation for solidarity with the people.

The couple brought a breath of fresh air into the royal household and have been groomed for years to take on their new roles.

Public opinion polls showed that the future king, who will be crowned April 30 as Willem IV, ranks behind his spirited spouse in popularity. It’s no surprise then that the Dutch enthusiastically accept the idea that Princess Maxima would be allowed to bear the title of queen.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Trader Joe’s customers walk in and out of the store on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New Trader Joe’s opens this week at Everett Mall

It’s a short move from a longtime location, essentially across the street, where parking was often an adventure.

Ian Bramel-Allen enters a guilty plea to second-degree murder during a plea and sentencing hearing on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘Deep remorse’: Man gets 17 years for friend’s fatal stabbing in Edmonds

Ian Bramel-Allen, 44, pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder for killing Bret Northcutt last year at a WinCo.

Firefighters respond to a small RV and a motorhome fire on Tuesday afternoon in Marysville. (Provided by Snohomish County Fire Distrct 22)
1 injured after RV fire, explosion near Marysville

The cause of the fire in the 11600 block of 81st Avenue NE had not been determined, fire officials said.

Ashton Dedmon appears in court during his sentencing hearing on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett Navy sailor sentenced to 90 days for fatal hit and run

Ashton Dedmon crashed into Joshua Kollman and drove away. Dedmon, a petty officer on the USS Kidd, reported he had a panic attack.

A kindergarten student works on a computer at Emerson Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘¡Una erupción!’: Dual language programs expanding to 10 local schools

A new bill aims to support 10 new programs each year statewide. In Snohomish County, most follow a 90-10 model of Spanish and English.

Logo for news use featuring the Tulalip Indian Reservation in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Woman drives off cliff, dies on Tulalip Reservation

The woman fell 70 to 80 feet after driving off Priest Point Drive NW on Sunday afternoon.

Everett
Boy, 4, survives fall from Everett fourth-story apartment window

The child was being treated at Seattle Children’s. The city has a limited supply of window stops for low-income residents.

People head out to the water at low tide during an unseasonably warm day on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett shatters record high temperature by 11 degrees

On Saturday, it hit 73 degrees, breaking the previous record of 62 set in 2007.

Snohomish County Fire District #4 and Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue respond to a motor vehicle collision for a car and pole. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, near Triangle Bait & Tackle in Snohomish. (Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office)
Police: Troopers tried to stop driver before deadly crash in Snohomish

The man, 31, was driving at “a high rate of speed” when he crashed into a traffic light pole and died, investigators said.

Alan Dean, who is accused of the 1993 strangulation murder of 15-year-old Bothell girl Melissa Lee, appears in court during opening statements of his trial on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
31 years later, trial opens in Bothell teen’s brutal killing

In April 1993, Melissa Lee’s body was found below Edgewater Creek Bridge. It would take 27 years to arrest Alan Dean in her death.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Man dies after crashing into pole in Snohomish

Just before 1 a.m., the driver crashed into a traffic light pole at the intersection of 2nd Street and Maple Avenue.

Bodies of two men recovered after falling into Eagle Falls near Index

Two men fell into the falls and did not resurface Saturday, authorities said. After a recovery effort, two bodies were found.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.