Prince Bernhard was born in Jena (Germany) on 29 June 1911. On 7 January 1937, he married Princess Juliana and became Prince of the Netherlands. 
They have four daughters: Princesses Beatrix (born in 1938), Irene (1939), Margriet (1943) and Christina (1947). In the Second World War, Prince Bernhard fought with the Allies against Nazi Germany. 

He is active in many areas. He has been a patron, honorary president, and associate board member of many organisations. He was the first president of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Princess Juliana died on 20 March 2004.