Beatrix (b. 1938)

Queen of the Netherlands. Name variations: Beatrix Wilhelmina; Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard van Orange-Nassau; Beatrice. Born Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard van Orange-Nassau, Jan 31, 1938, in Soestdijk, Netherlands; dau. of Juliana (b. 1909), queen of the Netherlands (r. 1948–1980), and Prince Bernard of Lippe-Biesterfeld; received doctorate in law, University of Leiden, 1961; m. Claus Gerd von Amsberg (German diplomat), Mar 10, 1966; children: Willem or William Alexander, crown prince of the Netherlands (b. 1967, who m. Maxima Zorreguieta of Argentina); Johan Friso (b. 1968); and Constantijn or Constantine (b. 1969).

The granddau. of Queen Wilhelmina, began her reign with the abdication of her mother Queen Juliana (1980); at 2, escaped from Holland to Ottawa, Canada, with rest of family when the German army invaded the Netherlands (May 1940); attended primary school in Ottawa until family returned to Holland at end of war (1945); recognized as heir to the throne when it became clear that Juliana would not have sons to succeed her (1947); turned 18 and officially joined Dutch Reformed Church (1956); as crown princess, also became a member of her mother's council of state; made 1st state visit, to US (1959); helped launch a European version of the Peace Corps (1961); announced engagement to 38-year-old German diplomat Claus von Amsberg to great hue and cry (1966), when it was learned that he served in Nazi army during WWII; has concerned herself with international problems such as underdevelopment in Third World and other social welfare issues, especially involving the former Dutch colonies in Asia.

See also Women in World History.