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Line of succession to the Dutch throne facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Willem-Alexander der Nederlanden
King Willem-Alexander is the current monarch

The line of succession to the Dutch throne is a list of people who could become the next King or Queen of the Netherlands. It's like a special order that shows who will take the throne if the current monarch can no longer rule. This list is very important for the future of the Dutch monarchy.

How the Succession Works

Since 1983, the Netherlands has a clear rule for who becomes the next monarch. This rule is called full or equal primogeniture. It means that the oldest child of the King or Queen, whether they are a boy or a girl, is next in line to the throne. So, the first-born child always follows their parent as the ruler. This makes the succession fair for everyone, regardless of gender.

Who is in the Line of Succession?

The current King of the Netherlands is King Willem-Alexander. The people listed below are in the official line of succession, meaning they could become the next King or Queen.

  • Simple silver crown.svg HM Queen Juliana (1909-2004)
    • Simple silver crown.svg HM Queen Beatrix (born 1938)
      • Simple gold crown.svg HM The King (Willem-Alexander; born 1967)
      • (4) HRH Prince Constantijn (born 1969)
        • (5) Countess Eloise of Orange-Nassau (born 2002)
        • (6) Count Claus-Casimir of Orange-Nassau (born 2004)
        • (7) Countess Leonore of Orange-Nassau (born 2006)
    • (8) HRH Princess Margriet (born 1943)
      • HH Prince Maurits of Orange-Nassau (born 1968)
        • Anastasia van Lippe-Biesterfeld van Vollenhoven (born 2001)
        • Lucas van Lippe-Biesterfeld van Vollenhoven (born 2002)
        • Felicia van Lippe-Biesterfeld van Vollenhoven (born 2005)
      • HH Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau (born 1969)
        • Isabella van Vollenhoven (born 2002)
        • Samuel van Vollenhoven (born 2004)
        • Benjamin van Vollenhoven (born 2008)

Family Tree of Succession

Succession Dutch throne
This family tree shows the current line of succession.
     People currently in the line of succession, with their number.     People who were once in, but are now removed from the line of succession.     People who were never in the line of succession or are no longer living.


Related Information


Images for kids

  • Open Monumenten Dag 2010 (4983870910)

    This is the Throne in the Ridderzaal. The Dutch monarch uses it to give the Throne Speech on Prince's Day.

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