Net Worth: $200 Million
Category: Richest Politicians › Royals
Birthdate: January 31, 1938 (86 years old)
Birthplace: Baarn, Netherlands
Gender: Female
Nationality: Netherlands
Overview
Queen Beatrix, officially Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, is the former monarch of the Netherlands who reigned from April 30, 1980, to April 30, 2013. With a net worth of $200 million, she is recognized for her contributions to Dutch society, her leadership during pivotal changes within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and her commitment to public service. Upon abdicating in favor of her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, she became the oldest reigning Dutch monarch at the time of her abdication.
Early Life and Education
Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard was born into the Dutch royal family at Soestdijk Palace. She is the first child of Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld and Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, who later became Queen. She studied at Leiden University, earning a degree in law in 1961, with a focus on constitutional law, sociology, and economics.
Personal Life
- Marriage and Family
- Married Claus von Amsberg, a German aristocrat and diplomat, in 1966, despite public protests due to his German heritage and World War II associations.
- Together, they had three sons:
- King Willem-Alexander (current King of the Netherlands).
- Prince Constantijn.
- Prince Johan Friso (passed away in 2013).
- Tragedy and Loss
- Her husband, Prince Claus, passed away in 2002.
- Prince Johan Friso died in 2013 following a skiing accident.
Reign as Monarch (1980–2013)
- Abdication of Juliana
- Beatrix ascended the throne in April 1980 after her mother, Queen Juliana, abdicated.
- Key Achievements During Her Reign
- Oversaw the secession of Aruba from the Netherlands.
- Managed the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, leading to the establishment of new municipalities and constituent countries such as Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten.
- Notable Events
- Survived a car attack in 2009 that targeted her and her family during the annual Queen’s Day celebrations, resulting in eight fatalities, including the attacker.
- Advocacy
- Promoted social cohesion, cultural preservation, and international diplomacy during her reign.
Abdication and Legacy
- Transition to Willem-Alexander
- In 2013, Beatrix abdicated in favor of her son, Willem-Alexander, making him the first Dutch king in over a century.
- Post-abdication, she adopted the title Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.
- Legacy
- Remembered for her dignity, diplomacy, and modernization of the Dutch monarchy.
- Actively supported public causes and was a unifying figure during times of social and economic change.
Current Life
As Princess Beatrix, she continues to engage in charitable and cultural activities, remaining a respected and beloved figure within the Netherlands and beyond. Her wealth and influence reflect her dedication to public service and the preservation of the Dutch monarchy’s legacy.
