Princess Máxima Receives Machiavelli Prize

Princess Máxima of the Netherlands was today awarded the 2011 Machiavelli Prize at a ceremony at the Nieuwspoort Press Centre in The Hague.

View the full image at Het Koninklijk Huis

Accompanied by her husband, the Prince of Orange, and their uncle, Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven (himself a former recipient of the prize), Princess Máxima accepted the prize which was awarded to her because of her “exceptional communication skills that have characterised her work as a Princess of the Netherlands for the past decade.” The prize was presented by the Chairman of the Machiavelli Foundation, Ms Marja Wagenaar.

During her acceptance speech, the Princess spoke of the years she has spent in the Netherlands and the role she has within the country. “I have had the priviledge of working with many people and organisations. This award is a compliment to that. You just called it a lifetime achievement award, Ms Wagenaar. But I consider the award as an encouragement to continue on this path,” Princess Máxima said. She also spoke of the important team work that she undertakes with her husband and her mother-in-law, Queen Beatrix, stating that they all play a role in a larger organisation – the monarchy.

Princess Máxima’s speech in Dutch and English.

The Machiavelli Prize is awarded annually by the Machiavelli Foundation, which was established in 1987. The aim of the foundation is to award those who promote communication in the public field.

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4. Princess Lalla Meryem Receives Women World Leaders’ Prize
5. Crown Princess Maxima at MS Research Foundation Anniversary

2 Responses to Princess Máxima Receives Machiavelli Prize

1. Fr. Andrew L. J. James, Ph.D. says:

   February 9, 2012 at 10:26 am

   Given Machiavelli’s reputation for dictatorial concepts, it seems unseemly to be associated with him, especially if one represents a modern royal system. How does one explain the inherent contradiction between the prize and a royal personage?
2. Fatima Alhossayny says:

   February 9, 2012 at 8:33 pm

   Such a big deal if this comes from a Princess
   also it has been for a long time ago
   and it makes hher highness has a good popularity
   Faithfull regards