Crown Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands married Claus von Amsberg in civil and religious ceremonies in Amsterdam on this day in 1966, amid protests over his German nationality. Prince Claus eventually became a very popular figure, even more after Princess Beatrix’s accession to the throne in 1981. The couple had three sons, and remained happily married until his death in 2002. Click HERE to take a look at their Pre-Wedding Dinner in Delft, and HERE for their Pre-Wedding Ball in Amsterdam. Take a look at their wedding below-
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In the early morning, the couple got married in a civil ceremony at the Amsterdam Town Hall, in a brief ceremony conducted by Mayor Dr. Gijsbert Van Hall. Afterwards, they traveled to the Westerkerk for the religious service.
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The religious service was conducted by Reverend Johannes Hendrik Sillevis Smitt, and a notable moment was when the new Prince Claus had difficulty putting in his ring.
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Afterwards, the couple drove back to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in the 1898 Coronation Coach, with the journey marked by protesters rushing at the carriage and smoke bombs being thrown.
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On their return, the couple posed to the cheering crowds from the Balcony of the Royal Palace.
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Among the royal guests were; First row L-R; John Ambler, Hon. Angus Ogilvy, King Constantine of Greece, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands (mother of the Bride), King Baudouin of Belgium, Princess (later Queen) Beatrix of the Netherlands (the Bride), Prince Claus of the Netherlands (the Groom), Queen Fabiola of Belgium, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (father of the bride), Queen Anne Marie of Greece, Princess Alexandra of Kent, and Prince Michael of Kent. Second row L-R; unidentified man, Crown Prince (later King) Harald of Norway, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, Princess Armgard of Lippe-Biesterfeld (grandmother of the Bride), Mrs. Gosta von Amsberg (mother of the Groom), Princess Christina of the Netherlands, Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte, Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, Infanta Pilar of Spain, Princess Margaretha of Sweden, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Pieter van Vollenhoven. Third row L-R; Princess Irene, Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon-Parma, Princess Irene of Greece, Prince Charles of Luxembourg, Princess Benedikte of Denmark, Princess Christina of Sweden, Christina von Amsberg, Princess (later Queen) Paola of Belgium, Prince Albert (later King) of Belgium, Infanta (later Queen) Sofia of Spain, and Infante (later King) Juan Carlos of Spain.
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Crown Princess Beatrix wore a white silk and duchesse satin gown by Caroline Berge-Farwick of Maison Linette, with the Württemberg Ornate Pearl Tiara and Queen Sophie’s Pearl and Diamond Brooch. Prince Claus wore Morning Dress with a white lily, echoing the brooch and the bouquet.
