Queen Beatrix was born Princess Beatrix on 31 January 1938.
In preparation for her duties as monarch, she studied many subjects at Leiden University. In 1961, she graduated in law.
On 10 March 1966, she married Claus von Amsberg. Three sons were born to them: Princes Willem-Alexander (born in 1967), Johan Friso (1968) and Constantijn (1969).
In 1980, Princess Beatrix succeeded her mother, Juliana, as Queen of the Netherlands.
Prince Claus died in 2002.
Queen Beatrix lives at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, and has her offices at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. For special receptions, Queen Beatrix uses the Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam.
