On 8 July 2000, Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau married his college sweetheart, Annette Sekrève. Prince Bernhard is the second son of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Pieter van Vollenhoven. As such, he is the first cousin of King Willem-Alexander. Due to the Dutch succession being based on proximity to the King, he is not currently in the line of succession. Should his mother ever succeed to the throne, he would be restored to the succession.
Prince Bernhard met Annette during his studies in Groningen, and their engagement was announced on 11 March 2000.
Their civil ceremony was performed on 6 July in the Spiegelzaal of the Paushuize in Utrecht by the Mayor of Utrecht, Annie Brouwer-Korf.
The religious ceremony followed on 8 July at the Cathedral of Saint Martin in Utrecht. Annette wore an ivory taffeta gown by Frans Molenaar. She wore a family heirloom tiara to keep her veil in place.
During the ceremony, the groom’s aunt, Princess Christina, gave one of her few public performances when she sang the Amarilli by Caccini.
The couple formally asked permission for their marriage, which was granted on 31 May 2000. As Prince Bernhard was in the line of succession at the time, and he remained in line until the succession of King Willem-Alexander. A Royal Decree decided that any children from the marriage would be given the last name “Van Vollenhoven”, and they would not carry royal titles.
However, Annette became known as Her Royal Highness Princess Annette of Orange-Nassau by virtue of her marriage.
They have three children together and lead a largely private life.
Be the first to comment on "Taking a look at the wedding of Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau & Annette Sekrève"