Analysis of Máxima

[Marengo]

Originally Posted by Henri M.

What is attractive in Prince Willem-Alexander?

He is the Heir to an immense fortune. He is gives her access to centuries old palaces, castles, estates. He provides her dazzling diamonds, rubies, pearls, emeralds, sapphires once worn by Stuarts, Yorks, Romanovs, etc. He makes her a housewife with one of the finest porcelain, gold-, silver- and crystalware collections in the world. He surrounds her with dozens of impeccably uniformed footmen. He lets her drive in bulletfree extended royalblue Volvo limousines with chauffeur. He makes her a Princess in her own right, with her own income, her own arms, her own personal standard, her own staff. He makes her free flying in private planes from Buenos Aires to Amsterdam v.v. He makes her dazzle amidst the high and the mighty of this world.

That is what is so attractive to Prince Willem-Alexander.

Oh yes: he is a loving and a caring husband. He is the most easy-going, laidback and goodnatured man you can imagine. He is devoted to his wife and his two daughters. Maybe we must not forget this too.

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.

[Marengo]

Originally Posted by tenngirl

I agree with you. I have to admit that I do not care for her either. I think its because she acts so boisterous (sp?), almost like a bull in a china shop. She is supposed to be a Queen, not a nightclub singer!

I get tired of seeing her throat (almost) when she is laughing.....

Its interesting that you caught the point that she was raised to marry well. Personally, I cannot see anything attractive in Willem. In fact, out of all the Crown Princes, he seems the blahest. So you wonder why a brilliant, intelligent woman would be attracted to him.

Think of the contrast with the Crown Princess Masako. She is class to her fingernails. A perfect Royal. She is regal and carries herself with dignity. Can you really see that in Maxima?

This is just my opinion and I have tried to be kind in what I have said. Honestly!

As Henri said, it is the throat-picture that gets published, while most of the time she has her mouth shut.

Though I like princess Masako and sympathise with her illness (as I share it) we can hardly call somebody who refrained from imperial duties for several years ´a perfect royal´.

I think Maxima is perfect for The Netherlands, as people here like spontanious people (for example Mathilde wouldn´t have worked here, neither would Maxima in Belgium). People like her for who she is and are glad that she did not change her personality after marrying the Prince of Orange.

I have to add, like Henri, that there is more to Maxima then an exhuberant smile. I remember seeing a report on her, while she visited female juvenile delinquents. One would expect such a upper-class Argentinian girl to be a bit reserved etc. But she broke the ice with the girls immediately, made them feel at ease, was friendly, understanding, firm and encouraging. After a while the girls totally forgot they were talking to an HRH but talked & told her all. Maxima encouraged them to talk about there future and encouraged them (practically to) to do something usefull with their lives in the future. The programme filmed the girls after the Princess left and they were all glowing and said they never expected such a woman to be genuinely interested in them. That human electrifying side is Maxima to...

[Larzen]

Originally Posted by princess olga

You sure you read the article?
Maxima there is again confirmed as someone who knows <exactly> what she wants. Think she would have been as charmed by Willem Alexander's blond eighties hairdo if he'd been employed as a plummer, bar a trust fund and a throne? Think again.
This is the kind of girl, and the article underlines this, who was <brought up> with the (unspoken, but nevertheless very present) goal of marrying someone who could add to their prestige and bank account. I used to live and work in New York, and believe me, there are thousands of Maxima's in New York trying to get into the best of circles in order to find the best possible (read: wealthiest) husband.
We're talking about a woman here who so overshadowed her poor groom at her wedding that it is hard to remember he was even there.

How is that differnet from the other women marrying their Princes, which of them would have left all they worked for if their husband was a plumber (I feel like we are mocking a very honest and respectable profession here ) I dont think the list would be very long. Just because they appear more shy and not so outgoing than Maxima, and might not so apprantly enjoy the attention as Maxima does, or make some very prim and proper "I fell in love with the person, not the Prince(ss) frases in an interveiw?

Any person with two braincells would understand what marrying a Crown Prince(ss) ment in terms of giving up a career and independance and privacy, but still they chose to go along with their relationships instead of breaking it of before it became to serious, I dont remember anyone beeing on paper saying it was love at first sight (except Prince Philippe I think). Then surly the perks, position and wealth that came along with a nice man (woman) was not hard to imagine for them either.

And I dont think Willem Alexander is that bland, he seems like a good natured man with lots of humor even if he is not the most athletic of men. And I clearly remember him beeing at his wedding But I do agree with the aritcle that his good sides has been more highlighted since he married, he obiously adores his wife and daughters and that always gives extra point in any female book and I much prefer seeing a smiley and warm royal enjoying her duties, connection with those she meets, than one who looks bored or allof. I also like that she has continued with her interest in micro finance as it is so close to her education which gives her a cetain athortiy on the issue, and makes her more credible to me.

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by Larzen

And I clearly remember him beeing at his wedding

I remember that wedding, too and how very much in love the couple appeared. I remember how the prince held hands with Maxima and how sweet that was. The prince radiated genuine love, pride and happiness - yes, he was very much there and wanted to be there.

As for the boisterous side of Maxima - I think this is exactly what the prince enjoys. He appears more like a "farmboy" than a prince at times and she is the perfect companion for him. I imagine them laughing all the time when they are together in private.

[Maxie]

Originally Posted by Marengo

As Henri said, it is the throat-picture that gets published, while most of the time she has her mouth shut.

Well and even if she was running around with her mouth open all the time I don't think that people would mind. Dutchies are very noisy people themselves (I mean I lived in Paris and when I was strolling through the subway I always heard Dutch tourists above all the murmur of the Parisiens and believe me, this is very characteristic for Dutch people, though some of you might disagree ) and I think they really like Maxima's personality (as do I, to be honest). We're not a country of regal Majesties, we're a country of queens on bikes and I think most people are glad that the princess with a smile came back to us, because Beatrix was becoming far to regal for our taste the last few years. (I'm generalizing of course, but I think that's just the way a lot of common people see it. I myself like Bea's style and I think she and her hair are doing a magnificent job.)

I think when it comes to regalness, Henri definitely is right. I think Maxima can outshine them all, but when she's with the people (like on Queen's Day) she can let things go and behave in a way that makes her loved by almost every Dutchman.

Is she playing all this? Well, she might be, we don't know. But if she's playing it and is only going for the golden pot at the end of the rainbow she's doing it in a most terrific way.

[galuhcandrakirana]

Originally Posted by Maxie

I think when it comes to regalness, Henri definitely is right. I think Maxima can outshine them all, but when she's with the people (like on Queen's Day) she can let things go and behave in a way that makes her loved by almost every Dutchman.

Is she playing all this? Well, she might be, we don't know. But if she's playing it and is only going for the golden pot at the end of the rainbow she's doing it in a most terrific way.

That what I like from Maxima (beside she also seems quiet smart and doing more than just a cutting ribon). I think she just want to be what she is, a royal and a human being, and she doesn't seem trying to act like "a very perfect princess in fairy tale" all the time and with that it seems she has won the Dutch heart.

[princess olga]

Originally Posted by Marengo

You are basing your claim of ´blatent social climber´ on personal experiences that most people do not have, so I do not think most Dutchmen share your opinion (of Maxima being a blatent social climber). Let alone that most Dutch people ´didn´t seem to mind to get a blatant social climber as a queen´.

Look, I have nothing against social climbers per se, if it makes them happy, good for them. Whether or not Maxima falls into that category, the thing that I dislike is when people like her are being so disingeneous about the fact that by most accounts, they 'married up'.

Because I'm such a staunch admirer of Alexander's mother, I've tried and tried to like Maxima equally, which, granted, is not fair perhaps.

For starters, I liked the press conference re. the engagement in 2001. But the interview prior to their wedding, just like with Friso and Mabel's interview a few years later, that's where they lost me frankly. Because in that interview, Maxima and WA came across, to me, as disingeneous to a fault.
For example, Maxima contended that when her parents learned the identity of her then new boyfriend, and that he was a crown prince, she says they then immediately flew from Argentina to New York where Maxima then lived, to try to talk her out of it! According to Maxima. Then, if I remember correctly, Alexander piped in that he, too, could understand people wouldn't necessarily be happy if their daughter presented a future son in law like him. Why oh why do I just not buy such a statement?

Let's face it, for any (Argentinian) girl, a European crown prince is, to put it mildly, quite the catch. Which is fine, but then, why be so very very disingeneous about that? And pretend that in fact, your parents weren't very happy with your brining home a prince, when to all appearances, this girl was brought up to marry someone presentable. I mean, come on.

That's just the thing with this couple: if they'd have refrained from comments like these, I'd applaud them left and right, whenever and wherever they support the Queen.

Originally Posted by Marengo

I am rather pleased that she enjoys her present duties, so I do not see that as a negative thing.

Same here and I said that in my former post.

--

Originally Posted by Marengo

on a different note, why keeps this Marc van der Linden popping up in articles. Since when is it aceptable for reliable magazines to quote and trust the opinion of a gossip journalist like him?

I couldn't agree more. Dont' they have better sources than a third-rate gossip journalist?!

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by princess olga

Because in that interview, Maxima and WA came across, to me, as disingeneous to a fault.
For example, Maxima contended that when her parents learned the identity of her then new boyfriend, and that he was a crown prince, she says they then immediately flew from Argentina to New York where Maxima then lived, to try to talk her out of it! According to Maxima. Then, if I remember correctly, Alexander piped in that he, too, could understand people wouldn't necessarily be happy if their daughter presented a future son in law like him. Why oh why do I just not buy such a statement?

I have honestly no idea but if you can live with that fact, it's okay, isn't it?
I OTOH really can imagine that there are parents who doesn't want their well-educated well-off daughter to marry into a Royal house on another continent. Maybe they had harboured secret hopes of Maxima marrying a rich guy who was living next door to them? Where they could see their grandchildren more often then they can today?

Maybe for Argentinian parents a blond Dutchman is not a prize? Or maybe her father had done quite some work in secret to reestablish himself in Argentinian society and did not want a rehashing of his past by the international media (as it happened to him after it became known who Maxima was)? There are lots of reasons why parents do not like the idea of their daughter marrying a foreigner - even if he is a prince.

[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.

[Henri M.]

The story is that the Prince of Orange was invited for one of the tents at the Feria de Abril in Sevilla (Spain). That was in 1999.

When the Prince finally entered the tent, in an enclosed (VIP)-part of the terrain, he thought he could relax a bit, but he became irritated by a blonde lady making pictures in the tent. Later he became intrigued by that quite charismatic lady. Via-via he came in contact with her and he asked for her adress (which was in Chelsea, New York).

Apparently for months Máxima was not aware at all who 'Alexander' (as she calls him) really was. Even when she found it out, she thought 'a prince or something in Holland, Europe' and could not make a real imagination of it. For people in Argentina and America, things like a royal family are quite something far-away and exotic.

The Prince and Máxima visited her parents in Buenos Aires, but they told the parents the Prince was 'a lawyer in Holland'. When it became more serious she more and more realized the impact of his royal status. For sure when she for the first time arrived in the Netherlands and saw the palaces of her friend's parents, the guards outside, the limousines. She stumbled from the one amazement into the other.

Princess Máxima herself publicly described it as 'bizarre'. The whole story has the undertone of 'ach ja... a prince or something you know' and she had NO idea what it really meant. I think the Princess is no intial gold digger but for sure the unimagineable privileges and circumstances of her friend will have helped her decision to say 'yes' to his proposal. Before the Prince's proposal, Máxima was invited to India, with the whole royal family (only Juliana remained home) to get known to each other.

[Laura]

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.

Hear, hear, Marengo!

Just wanted to add that I don't have the feeling that Willem Alexander is totally outshone by Máxima. They seem to be a real team and WA certainly looks proud of having his flamboyant wife by his side.

Thanks Henri for sharing the article.

[TLLK]

Thank you Henri for sharing this article. I believe that the future King of the Netherlands has quite an able partner in Maxima. I wish them and your nation all the best.

[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"

[Katrianna]

Thank you for the article and translation Henri. Maxima may have been a social climber, but I will never know because I'm not personally aquainted with her, but Maxima has shown in her Crown Princess role and if she is exuberant, this endears her to the people. I've seen pictures of Maxima at very somber occasions and she appeared very regal. Maxima may have gotten her Prince, but she's not resting on her laurels because of it. Princess Olga, I can understand where you're coming from, we are all entitled to our opinions and I respect your input. That's what makes discussions interesting.

[SASSY]

I myself like Bea's style and I think she and her hair are doing a magnificent job.)


That's FUNNY!!

In one of Henri's posts he mentioned something about ladies-in-waiting and "hofdames". What is a "hofdame"?

[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.

[Henri M.]

Originally Posted by SASSY

In one of Henri's posts he mentioned something about ladies-in-waiting and "hofdames". What is a "hofdame"?

A hofdame litterally means 'lady from the court'. We also know dame du palais, which is French and litterally means 'lady from the palace'. These are the Dutch equivalent for a lady-in-waiting, a word which sounds strange in Dutch translation (a lady in waiting means a pregnant lady in Dutch ears).


Until Queen Beatrix reorganized the Household in the early 1980's, a hofdame used to be an unmarried lady and a dame du palais was a married lady. Since the reorganization the Queen has split up her Household in a functional Household and a honorary Household. Her 5 or 6 hofdames belong to the functional Household.

When they leave Her Majesty's daily service, they become a dame du palais honoraire and are placed in the honorary Household.

The hofdames and the dames du palais are led by the Grootmeesteres der Koningin (The Queen's Grandmastress) which is for years the rousing and ever royal-looking lady, Martine van Loon - Labouchere formerly Delprat. A most remarkable lady from a renowned Amsterdam old banking family (Labouchere) who married quite young with an old milliardaire Amsterdam shipsowner Delprat, became a dazzling rich widow and remarried the Amsterdam noble Jonkheer Maurits Nanning van Loon.

This Van Loon family is famous for their fantastic little palazzo alongside one of Amsterdam's main canals, the House van Loon, and is known by a diairy written by Thora Nanna van Loon - Egidius, Dame du Palais of Queen Wilhelmina. The Grandmastress lives in the house next to the House van Loon, which is now open as a museum.

[juliana]

I agree with Princess Olga. I suppose the huge support that CPs get in their new countries is a good thing for them, and why would the citizens want to criticise when they either love their royals or are ambivelent towards them. Most of the scepticism comes from those outside the nations - from those who don't wear rose coloured spectacles.

Something superficial - I personally am a little bored with being exposed to Maxima as if I were her dental hygenist- can she not smile without showing us her tonsils and what is more the calm regal baby that Amelia was (impressive at her baptism) is now turning into Mini-Max. The latest photo shoot with the Japanese royals showed a difference in the regalness of the two crown princes' families. Come on Beatrix- you are in charge and I really like you, can't you have a better influence over your adult family or do we see Maxima's influence at the fore now?

[tenngirl]

Juliana,
You said what I was trying to say! And better, I might add!

Tenngirl