Marianne, on the Glittering Royal Events Message Board has kindly translated the interview that P-C & Anita gave to De Telegraaf recently.
[font=verdana, arial]"They start telling that they have their own, very personal, sense of humour. Just looking into each others eyes and laughing simultaneously...[/font]
[font=verdana, arial] ....it all started in London, where the couple lived in the late 1990's. The Prince (now 33) worked for a 'daughter' of the Dutch Bank ABN/AMRO and Anita was working for press-agency Bloomberg. They met each other during a party at a mutual acquintance's place and started talking.
Pieter-Christiaan: "I just introduced myself as Pieter and she had really no idea who I was..."
Anita: "I really liked him at first sight. He has this nice, positive attitude...combined with a large dose of charm..."
During that party the couple only had eyes for each other and never stopped talking.
Later that night the whole crowd continues their party in a London 'club' and to Anita's big surprise "he turned out to be a very good dancer!!!" (said the bride-to-be proudly...)[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]Next day PC was totally absorbed by trying to track down this lovely girl and his colleagues were rather amused by his absent way of behaviour...[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]Since Anita was travelling a lot for her job it really wasn't that easy to make a new date, but finally PC succeeded!
Thety met a lot and eventually he told her he was the son of Princess Margriet and Pieter v. Vollenhoven.
Anita: "well, it's something to take in but not for long actually. In London we were totally private persons and we loved that privacy..."[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]Prince PC: "In our home country there's more attention (media/public) due to the fact that I belong to the RF and in London I'm much more anonymous.."[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]These London years formed an important factor of their courtship and their relationship.
The prince really did everything he could to surprise his loved one. Many a time he stood waiting for her at Schiphol Airport (unexpectedly!) whenever she was on her way out (or in...) for her job.
Both of them were working in the same area in "The London City" and he sent her drawings of places they both knew in 'Notting Hill' where they both lived or sent her flowers...both at her office as well as to the places abroad where she stayed for her job.[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]Anita, who had been living abroad with her parents during her up-bringing (Switzerland/Singapore) really enjoyed these London-years to the fullest.
At her wedding two of her friends from her time at United World College in Singapore will be wittnesses![/font]
[font=verdana, arial]After her career at Bloomberg she worked at Christie's and for the American Bank JP Morgan.
After the wedding she wants to make her own career as an independend self-employed woman. Something to do with fashion, but she doesn't really want to reveal any details yet![/font]
[font=verdana, arial]The Prince is still occupied with the Marechaussee (Special Force, protecting Ambassadors, RF and also involved with airport control etc).
Besides that he also is involved in a company which he created together with some former fellow-students from IMD in Lausanne, where he graduated too.[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]The Prince is also well-known for his love of marathons.....and he has run quite some for a good cause too!
The Prince participated in the New York Marathon several times, also soon after 9/11 when he was shown Ground Zero before the race. The money he collected by running at that time all went to the NY Firemen!
Even running around Lake Lamon (Genèva) when he collected $$ for a school in Serajevo. He loves the combination of sports and earning money for a good cause...!
Which is what also got him involved in "Laureus Benelux", an internal organisation which includes names like John McEnroe, Franz Beckenhauer and Dutch cycling champion (Olympic Medallist) Leontien van Moorsel as well.[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]Anita: "I don't run marathons nor am I a big fan of motor-races and I must admit that I am thrilled everytime PC comes home safe and sound after another race with these fast cars..."[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]After their return from their honeymoon the couple will settle in a recently bought home in Amsterdam (where PC's elder brothers Maurits and Bernhard are already living with their wives & kids).
If they want to stay in Amsterdam for the rest of their lives is hard to tell..
Anita: "we might also easily opt for another country in the future, where as London is still Favourite Place nr. 1..."[/font]
[font=verdana, arial]London being the place where they met will certainly have a very special place in their hearts .. no doubt!!" "
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