Analysis of Princess Máxima

[Henri M.]

In the academic weekly Intermediair, there was a long article on Princess Máxima, titled: Máxima, the born Queen. It is quite a long article, with some parts of lesser interest (Dutch internal politics) but here is a summarized translation. Enjoy the reading!


On a dark evening in the autumn of 2005, the marechaussees at the gates of the royal domain De Horsten (The Eyries) halt a car at the beginning of the alley leading to the princely villa De Eikenhorst (The Eyrie in the Oakwoods). When the marechaussees approach the black car, a nervous giggling sounds. Cigarettes smoke crawls upwards along the opened window next to the driver. To their amazement the marechaussees see tonight’s visit in one car: Femke Halsema (fraction leader in the Second Chamber), her colleague Naïma Azough, Maarten van der Meer (an Amsterdam councillor) and Katelijne Buitenweg (member of the European Parliament). These politicians are all members of the Groen-Links (Green-Left) party and are publicly convinced republicans. They are invited for diner with the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima. Also delegations from other parties have regularly been invited to villa De Eikenhorst, for diners which do not rarely last until past midnight. The menu is partly Argentinean, partly Dutch, and with vegetables from the own estate.



One of the visitors tells: 'They wanted to know our opinions about a number of political themes. I was amazed that they expressed their own opinions so open and clear. It became totally lively when the couple themselves were in mutual disagreement on certain topics. They felt very easy about it.' An alderman from a large city finds it 'extremely clever' that the princely couple organizes these private evenings with prominent politicians. 'While I’m actually republican, I became a fan that evening. They are a blessing for the Netherlands thanks to their openness and their communicative skills.'

Máxima Zorreguieta came, saw and conquered. All the upheaval about her marriage with the Prince of Orange became dumbstruck after her overwhelming entrance during the princely engagement on 30 March 2001. On that moment the whole of the Netherlands wanted to engage with her, certainly since she has so clearly taken distance from the Videla-regime. Perhaps more surprising yet, is that she effortlessly remained upright since then.
[…]



Princess Máxima is by far the most popular member of the Royal House. 'It is her appearance, her flair, her joie de vivre, her exuberance, her cosmopolitanism. All are characteristics which the royal Court did not own in too large extents', says a royalty watcher. 'Queen Beatrix and Prince Willem-Alexander never seek real contact with the public. Princess Máxima tries to have a real conversation with you, including non-verbal communication.' Royalty-reporter Marc van der Linden of ‘Weekend Magazine’ endorses that Princess Máxima knows how to reach the people: 'She makes jokes, is not fearful to make physical contact or to show her emotions. I remember that she was very emotional during the awarding of the Geuzenpenning (Medaille des Gueux) to the mother of Ingrid Betancourt, the kidnapped Colombian candidate for president.’ But The Queen also shows some more of her emotions, finds Marc van der Linden. ‘I think that is Máxima’s influence.’
[….]



The nature talent is an asset for the Royal House. There is quite an unanimous opinion in that. Máxima felt out of Heaven as the rescueing angel, when Queen Beatrix’ long time so praised no-nonsense style suddenly no longer did fit so well in the mood of changing times. 'Princess Máxima lets the monarchy radiate again’ says Peter Rehwinkel, mayor of Naarden and before that spokesman for constitutional law for the Labour Party in the Second Chamber. 'She lays other accents than The Queen. Of course that lies also at her age and origin, and at the abundance that she radiates. I think I must state explicitly that Princess Máxima’s actions are no break with the trend or with the preceding and that she is also not intending that at all.' Queen Beatrix certainly is one of Princess Máxima’s example figures, thinks Peter Rehwinkel. ‘Princess Máxima may come over quite exuberantly but, like The Queen, she leaves nothing to the coincidence. For the last rehearsal of her marriage, she brought a vertically striped long curtain with her, so that she could exactly see and exercise the effects of her bridal train. A directly involved person tells: ‘She directed the bridesmaids so precisely. In Spanish indeed. But it was clear: this lady knew exactly what she wanted and knows how to impose her wishes. Considerably more than her spouse.’


(continued in next post)

[Henri M.]

(continuation from first post)

It is often indicated and easily to conclude: Princess Máxima outshines the Prince of Orange. Everywhere she comes the thronefollower fades away in her shadow.
[….]

But the Prince of Orange is a good-natured man, and they seems still to be very much in love with each other. 'Princess Máxima knows how to deal with all the attention quite nicely, in such a way that it is not irritating for the Prince to stand in her shadow, says an insider of the royal Court. ‘They allow each other the attention' stated one of the photographers making pictures at the opening of an exhibition in the Amsterdam Historical Museum: ‘Prince Charles was quite jealous on Diana. Prince Willem-Alexander feels no jealousy on Máxima.' The marriage is a golden match: she is a woman of the world but obtained royal class. In exchange for that he obtained sex-appeal, and with him the Royal House’.

'Prince Willem-Alexander has grown thanks to his marriage with Máxima', says Marc van der Linden. 'More and more you hear, also at the Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst (Government Information Agency): "The Prince wants this” or "No, the Prince does not want it". He has become more confident. No longer he feels the prying eyes of his all-and-everything controlling mother. Now they are a good operating two-unity at De Eikenhorst’.




[Then a long piece about the politically sensitive ‘Commission Máxima’, officially it was called the Commission PAVEM (Participation of Women from Ethnic Minority Groups) which attracted huge attention thanks to its prominent royal member but also stirred controversy with bold statements on integration and immigration. A sensitive topic in the Netherlands.]

At the royal Court man sighed out of relief that the Commission was just temporary. One source: ‘Man was sure at the royal Court: this no longer and not again.’ After all the Royal House must be an unifying factor, standing above the parties as much as possible. The wish for the continuation of the commission (PAVEM 2) was tackled. With Princess Máxima, the Royal House has gold in its hands. But the Royal House has no control over the context of that gold, no matter how hard it tries. What does that mean for Princess Máxima’s future?




'In Argentina still girls are born with the knowledge that they once wants to marry a rich or important man’, says Marc van der Linden, ‘who also have that ambition because they want to mean something in the world. And Princess Máxima is doing that now. In principle the doors of the White House will open for her, if she wants. You must find that also nicely.’ Máxima Zorreguieta did not marry the Prince of Orange by chance, is what Marc van der Linden wants to say. She wants to propose and to do something. And she cán do something: see her activities on micro-credits. She also enjoys the attention, so state the photographers who follow her. But is she allowed to enjoy all this?





Princess Máxima is skilfull enough to enforce chances and opportunities. Even when this would fail, it is unthinkable that she would succeed her father-in-law, the late Prince Claus. Whose tragedy lies in a testifying sentence showing his superior understated feel for irony (spoken at the opening of the new headquarters of ABN AMRO-Bank in Amsterdam): ‘Ladies and gentlemen, now I want to go to my core business: the cutting of a ribbon.'

[ap3]

Thank you for the interesting article, Henri M. Maxima always seemed very smart and capable to me (looking at her past financial position, as well as her interviews and conduct since then). My thoughts about WA's intellect were not quite as high, quite frankly. But this article makes the pair seem more like intellectual equals, as well as open to intellectual discussions with others who (generally) function at a high level. Interestintg insight into these 2 on a personal level.

I admire their communication skills, openness for taking the initiative in opening the dialogue with influential decision-makers. Royalty have unique access to politicans but I don't usually hear them using that position in such a constructive way. As people interested in the present and future Netherlands, it's nice to hear they get around a dinner table and talk about the issues.

[princess olga]

Originally Posted by ap3

I admire their communication skills, openness for taking the initiative in opening the dialogue with influential decision-makers.

I admire their ability to listen to the best of PR strategists!

Originally Posted by ap3

Royalty have unique access to politicans but I don't usually hear them using that position in such a constructive way.

Or, in such a cleverly planned and orchestrated and strategized way. This is a clever PR trick they use to influence exactly those politicians who don't really warm for the concept of the monarchy.

If Maxima realized anything it probably would be that Alexander on his own isnt exactly the most inspiring future monarchs, not to the person on the street, that is. That he needs all the plotting this article points out they do.

[lucien]

Originally Posted by princess olga

I admire their ability to listen to the best of PR strategists!

Or, in such a cleverly planned and orchestrated and strategized way. This is a clever PR trick they use to influence exactly those politicians who don't really warm for the concept of the monarchy.

Ever since Juliana & Bernhard,and especially since 1966,Beatrix and Claus, always invited people from the world of politics(left,right and center),artists,scientists and such for dinner parties,first at Drakensteyn,later in The Hague.Those gatherings aimed/aiming at broaden their minds.
Always a good idea.

[Verde Esmeralda]

Originally Posted by princess olga

I admire their ability to listen to the best of PR strategists!

Or, in such a cleverly planned and orchestrated and strategized way. This is a clever PR trick they use to influence exactly those politicians who don't really warm for the concept of the monarchy.

Princess Olga,

I couldn't agree more with this post, and the following one. As a PR let me tell you, this is 'royal lobbying', not natural-born kindness. Clever, though!

[Kelly]

A very interesting article! Maxima would make a wonderful queen one day. She seems to have all the assets.

[Emily]

Originally Posted by Kelly

A very interesting article! Maxima would make a wonderful queen one day. She seems to have all the assets.

I agree. Thank you so much for posting that article, Henri. I think Maxima has a unique set of talents -- both intellectual and social smarts, and a generous heart -- and that should take her a long way. I enjoy following her and will continue to and articles such as this are very helpful toward rounding out my understanding of who she/they is/are. Thanks again.

[Maxie]

Thank you for translating the article, Henri!
I remember reading it several months ago, but I totally forgot about it. It's a nice article. I think it's great that W-A and Maxima are meeting in an informal way with politicians of their own age, btw. They just have to work together in next few years, so dining with them is a smart move, imo.

[janos614]

It's nice to see Maxima portrayed as a woman of the world who uses her role within the Royal Family to her family's best advantage. She'll make a wonderful example for her daughters to follow. Thank you for the translation! We in America rarely hear anything about royalty outside of the BRF, unless there's some scandal or major event.

[SASSY]

Originally Posted by janos614

It's nice to see Maxima portrayed as a woman of the world who uses her role within the Royal Family to her family's best advantage. She'll make a wonderful example for her daughters to follow. Thank you for the translation! We in America rarely hear anything about royalty outside of the BRF, unless there's some scandal or major event.

This is very true. I was really suprised/confused when I read the rumour that Q Beatrix thought Maxima "wasn't strong enough" to marry into the Royal House because she's always appeared to be quite the opposite!
I think she's very savy and knows exactly whats she's doing.

[Toledo]

Henri, that is one very interesting article you posted. Thanks for the translation, that was a lot of work for you to do for us so we could read it.

[carlota]

thanks so much henri m for translating the article for us! it's definetely really interesting. i have always really admired maxima and i think she will be a great queen, just as she is a wonderful princess now.

[Roxsteve]

Maxima is one of the most charismatic and down to earth people I have seen. Now, I don't know her so it is what she portrays, of course. She is who she is. She is lovely.

Originally Posted by Marengo

I get a bit annoyed by people (not only here, I just want to get it of my chest now) always making remarks about the appearance of the Crwonprince. Although I agree he is no Brad Pitt, he isn´t exactly the hunchback of the Notre Dame either. He is rather common looking but not extrordinairy ugly/badlooking. Add to that that the prince is a very friendly man, well-informed these days, not as stupid as some people wants us to believe, rather funny, caring etc and I think there is quite enough that makes him attractive to some women.

The vast Orange-Nassau fortune is highly overvalued, though he isn´t a pauper either. Anyway, public opinion will keep him and his wife from overspending anyway.

He is rich!!!

[Zonk]

I adore Maxima! And I adore "Alexander" for bringing Maxima into our lives.

I agree Jo...for some reason people automatically assume that whenever a "commoner" marries royalty its because she is a gold digger. From what I can see on this board (and other places) there is not enough gold in the world that can compensate for a total loss of privacy. People always criticizing the way you dress, hold your kids, your laugh, you weight, whether you are pulling your weight, etc. Regular people go thru this as well its just not flashed on the front pages of newspapers and all over the internet. Its one thing for you to accept this challenge but then you are putting your family in the front lines as well and really thats not fair to them as well. Yep...not enough gold in the world!

In regards to Maxima outshining Alexander. She has an exuberant personality and I think that is one of the reasons he loves her. Unlike another heir to the throne who couldn't take being outshone by his bride..I think Alexander looks at Maxima with a "Isn't she wonderful..can you believe she married me?! look"

[JohnRaven]

Personally I believe Maxima is an asset to the Dutch Royal Family and the country. She has brought back some warmth, sex-appeal and glamour into the monarchy and it was about time! Even Beatrix obviously needed some of that. Now that she has three three daughters in law and a row of grandchildren, you can see the difference in her. She is adored by her sons and daughters in law and I assume her grandchildren. She even dresses much better, looks absolutely radiant and seems to soften up a bit - which was badly needed as well IMO. Although Maxima was not the first daughter in law, she certainly set the pace for the rest of the family. The whole family loosened up, dressed much more modern and daring than ever before. At first she tried to be a little more conservative and boring but she soon found out that wasn't her and she became her exuberant self again. A good role model I would say. I don't agree with the assumption that she introduced the common touch at all. WA is the easiest person to talk to, ask anybody who met him. Why she married WA? I think Henri M said it all. He may not be the most attractive prince around ( personally I wouldn't know) but he's still from a wealthy and influencial family and besides that he's praised by everyone who ever met him for his genuine interest. You can't fake these things. Amd contrary what many people seem to want to believe, he IS in fact an intelligent man. He may have said some dumb things (mostly too spontanously) but that does not qualify a person as being not intelligent. If that were true the list of intelligent people would fit onto a post-it. What makes him attractive to Maxima? The package deal. Surprising? Not in the least. I think it works like that for most people and not only the rich and famous, don't fool yourself. And if people believe that Mary of Denmark, Mette-Marit of Norway, Mathilde of Belgium etc did not go for the package deal, think again. There are too many downsides to being married to a (future) monarch and these are intelligent women in their 30's who know that. A marriage with a monarch can never be successfull these days if there's no genuine love and partnership between the two. Look how Charles's marriage was a disaster from day one. Let's have a bit more faith in our royals and celebrate the fact that we still have a few monarchies left that provide a little sparking to so many people's lives.

[Zonk]

I would hesitate to say that the photoshoot shows the regalness in the royal families or rather the lack of one in the Dutch. It showed to me that the perhaps the personalities of one family (the Japanese) if nothing else are being stifled. But again..those are my thoughts from the pics. See how we can all look at a picture and think differently? I don't think Maxima and her daughter acted in a non regal way. As for showing her tonsils...Maxima laughs alot (which is now apparently a negative thing) and the photos capture her this way.

And I agree with Marengo...a laughing toddler. With all that is going on in the world..there is nothing more pure and beautiful than to see a child smile. And that goes for an exbuerant Amalia to a hesitant and shy Aiko.

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by Zonk1189

And that goes for an exbuerant Amalia to a hesitant and shy Aiko.

Children reflect what they see: a laughing mother and a dad who is more like a teddybear when it comes to his kids. Isn't it sweet? While little Aiko surely realizes that something is wrong with her Mum. The fact that Aiko is such a loving kid shows IMHO that even though her mother is ill the family feels love for each other.

[Alison20]

It was interesting to get an insight into what Willen-Alexander and Maxima do, in the article Henri translated.

It follows the same pattern that the Queen and Prince Charles have, in inviting politicians, media people (actors, directors, tv presenters, etc.), and a range of 'ordinary' people for lunch or dinners. It is a good way to get the feel of what their subjects (or future subjects) are thinking. If it gives people with more republican views an insight and understanding of the Monarch and Heir, so much the better.

Living in Scotland, I don't get to see and hear much of other royal families, except from what I read in Point de Vue and Neue Post. But Maxima seems very open, even emotional, compared to Willem-Alexander's more northern reserve. But I think as a couple they seem to be in love with each other, and comfortable with each other's different characters. (The problem with Charles and Diana was that they were not in love and Diana used her popularity to belittle Charles.)

As to whether Maxima was a social climber? Who knows? So long as she does the 'job' well and makes the people of the Netherlands (and W-A) happy, then her original motives are unimportant. But I can understand that her parents might well have thought that marrying into a Royal Family brought a lot of stress and publicity, and a life-time of commitment, and that simply marrying an unknown wealthy man might have been better!

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by Alison20

As to whether Maxima was a social climber? Who knows?

In a sense most people are social climbers - whether they succeed or only dream about a chance. Isn't anyone who tries to get a better education than his/her parents had, to earn more money or find a more interesting job a "social climber" on trying to better their fate? Today women have the same possibilities as men to climb either via marriage or through a career. While getting a good job seems to be socially accepted, marrying up seems to be a problem for many on-lookers. But if you think about it, it takes a lot to make a man from a higher social level asking for marriage and keep him. Some men are content to marry a wife who is just an asset when it comes to socializing. These women do not necessarily be "nice" and may even appear openly materialistic to the onlooker. Still, if they don't have what their husband requires, they won't be a social climber for long. or a lonely, divorced one.

In my opinion most of the current Crown princes were looking for lmuch more, they looked for love and obviously (hopefully?) found it. But their spouse had to be all: romantic lover, loving mother, educated partner and full of discipline and understanding. Yes, they climbed to the top but they brought a rich dowry in form of their personality with them into the marriage.

People who look down on them because they were successful in their "social climb" should ask themselves if they aren't suffering from the "sour grapes" syndrome or really find a reason to pass a negative judgment about girls who only did what mankind has done ever since the evolution started.