Beatrix, << BAY ah treeks >> (1938-…), was queen of the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013. She succeeded her mother, Queen Juliana, who abdicated (gave up the throne). Beatrix abdicated at age 75 on April 30, 2013. Her oldest son, Willem-Alexander, then became king.
Beatrix, the oldest of four daughters, was born near Amsterdam on Jan. 31, 1938. Her full name is Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard. From early childhood, she was trained to become queen. Beatrix attended a public elementary school and later studied law, parliamentary history, and sociology at Leiden University. In 1961, she received a doctorate of law from the university.
In 1966, Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg (1926-2002), a West German diplomat. He became Prince Claus of the Netherlands after their marriage. The couple had three sons—Willem-Alexander; Johan-Friso; and Constantijn.
See also Juliana ; Willem-Alexander .
