Queen Máxima of the Netherlands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Máxima |
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Formal portrait, 2015
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| Queen consort of the Netherlands | |
| Tenure | 30 April 2013 – present |
| Born | Máxima Zorreguieta 17 May 1971 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Spouse | |
| Issue | |
| Father | Jorge Zorreguieta |
| Mother | María del Carmen Cerruti |
| Religion | Catholicism |
Máxima (born Máxima Zorreguieta on 17 May 1971) is the Queen of the Netherlands. She is married to King Willem-Alexander.
Máxima was born in Argentina and worked in finance. She met Willem-Alexander, who was the oldest son of Queen Beatrix, in 1999. They got married in 2002. On 30 April 2013, Willem-Alexander's mother, Queen Beatrix, stepped down from the throne. This made Willem-Alexander the new king and Máxima the queen.
Queen Máxima cares about helping people feel included in society. This includes immigrants and people from the LGBTQ community. She also works to make sure more people can access financial services like bank accounts. She and King Willem-Alexander have three daughters: Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia, and Princess Ariane. They are first, second, and third in line to the Dutch throne.
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Máxima's Early Life and Education
Máxima Zorreguieta was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 May 1971. Her father was Jorge Zorreguieta, and her mother was María del Carmen Cerruti. Máxima has two brothers, a sister who passed away, and three half-sisters.
She grew up in Buenos Aires and went to Northlands School. This was a special school where students learned in two languages. In 1995, she earned a degree in economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina. She also continued her studies in the United States.
Before becoming a royal, Máxima worked in finance. From 1989 to 2001, she held different roles at financial companies in Buenos Aires, New York City, and Brussels. She also taught English and math to students.
Meeting Willem-Alexander
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Máxima met Willem-Alexander in April 1999 in Seville, Spain. At first, he only introduced himself as "Alexander." Máxima thought he was joking when he later told her he was a prince. They met again in New York, and their relationship began.
News of their relationship caused some discussion in the Netherlands. This was because Máxima's father had been a minister in Argentina during a difficult time in the country's history (1976–1983). During this period, many people were harmed or disappeared. An expert studied her father's role. He found that Máxima's father was not directly involved in any bad actions. However, he likely knew about them.
Despite this, Máxima became very popular after she became queen. Today, she is the most liked Dutch royal. A TV show about her early life and meeting Willem-Alexander started in 2024.
Marriage and Family Life
Máxima and Willem-Alexander announced their engagement on 30 March 2001. Máxima spoke to the country in Dutch, even though she was still learning the language. She became a Dutch citizen on 17 May 2001. This means she has dual citizenship, both Argentine and Dutch.
They were married on 2 February 2002 in Amsterdam. Máxima's parents did not attend the wedding. Her father was asked not to come because of his past role in the Argentine government. Her mother chose not to attend without her husband.
Máxima and Willem-Alexander have three daughters:
| Name | Born |
|---|---|
| Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange | 7 December 2003 |
| Princess Alexia of the Netherlands | 26 June 2005 |
| Princess Ariane of the Netherlands | 10 April 2007 |
Queen Máxima's Activities
Queen Máxima is very interested in helping immigrants become part of Dutch society. She believes it is important for immigrants to learn the Dutch language, just as she did. Dutch is her third language; she also speaks Spanish and English very well.
In 2007, Máxima gave a speech where she said she had not found "the" Dutch identity. She explained that the Netherlands is very diverse and cannot be described by just one idea. She said, "The Netherlands is far too diverse to summarize in one cliché. 'The' Dutchman does not exist."
Máxima travels around the world to represent the Netherlands. She is also a member of the Dutch Council of State, which is a very important advisory group. She helps with different projects, such as promoting social well-being and helping small businesses.
Since 2010, Queen Máxima has been the honorary chair of the Money Wise Platform. She helps teach people, especially children and young people, about managing money wisely. She also works to make sure more children have the chance to learn music.
In March 2022, Queen Máxima became the Honorary President of "MIND Us." This is a platform that helps with mental health.
Working with the United Nations
Queen Máxima is a special advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General. Her job is to promote "inclusive finance for development" (UNSGSA). This means she helps make sure that everyone, especially poor people, can access financial services like savings accounts, insurance, and loans. These services can help people avoid poverty and improve their lives.
She works with governments and other groups to make financial systems fairer for everyone. She also supports using digital technology to help more people access financial services. Máxima has visited many countries for the United Nations and works to improve financial education and protect consumers.
Titles and Honours
When Máxima married Willem-Alexander, she received the titles Princess of the Netherlands and Princess of Orange-Nassau. She also became "Mrs. van Amsberg."
On 30 April 2013, when Willem-Alexander became king, Máxima became the queen consort of the Netherlands. She is the first Dutch queen to be born outside Europe and the first to not be born into a royal family.
Her full title is: Her Majesty Queen Máxima, Princess of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau.
National Honours
- Netherlands:
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
- Recipient of the Wedding Medal of Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange and Máxima Zorreguieta
- King Willem-Alexander Investiture Medal
- Grand Cross of the Order of the House of Orange
Images for kids
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Coat of Arms of Queen Máxima
See also
In Spanish: Máxima de los Países Bajos para niños
