On This Day: Beatrix Marries Claus

Today is the fiftieth wedding anniversary of the former Dutch monarch, Beatrix, and her late husband Claus.

The pair were married back in 1966, first in a civil ceremony at the Amsterdam Town Hall and then in a religious ceremony held at the Westerkerk attended by 1,600 guests including royals for many of Europe’s royal houses. Beatrix and Claus shared numerous looks between themselves during the ceremony, presided over by Reverend Johannes Hendrik Sillevis Smitt.

During the couple’s carriage procession back to the Royal Palace, a number of smoke bombs were thrown into the procession by protesters, who were unhappy with the future Queen marrying a German so soon after the war – particularly considering Claus, given the legal requirements in Germany at the time, had been a member of the Hitler Youth. The cold weather also impacted on the amount of people in the crowds lining the route, but nonetheless an exuberant newlywed pair appeared on the Palace balcony to greet those who shared in their joy.

One of the most anticipated aspects of a wedding, royal or not, is the wedding gown. And the Dutch future Queen did not disappoint. Princess Beatrix helped to design her wedding gown, which was put together by couturier Caroline Bergé-Farwick of Maison Linette. The outcome was a simply classic look that has stood the test of time: it had a high, square neckline with three-quarter length sleeves, a slim-fitting bodice and skirt with a 5m long train that begun as a split skirt around the bride’s waist. The tiara choice of the bride – the Württemberg Ornate Pearl Tiara – was echoed in the design of the dress, with subtle swirls and loops woven on the skirt fabric in velvet.

Beatrix and Claus were married for 36 years, before Claus passed away in October 2002. They had three sons – Willem-Alexander, Friso and Constantijn – and have eight grandchildren. Despite the initial opposition to him, Claus proved himself to the Dutch people during his years as a member of the Royal Family, and was one of the most beloved at the time of his death.

Filed under The Netherlands
Tagged Prince Claus of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Wedding Anniversary.