Princess Beatrix is the oldest daughter of princess Juliana and prince Bernhard. She was born on 31 January 1938. She became very popular in the 1950s and 1960s as 'The Smiling Princess'. She took on her role as future head of the House of Orange with a great sense of duty.

Princess Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg on 10 March 1966. Her inauguration as queen of the Netherlands took place on 30 April 1980.