prince bernhard

Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette Announce Divorce After 25 Years of Marriage: A Detailed Look

In a development that has captured the attention of royal watchers across the globe, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and Princess Annette have confirmed the end of their marriage. The couple, who have been a prominent figure within the Dutch royal family for decades, announced their separation "by mutual agreement." This news marks the conclusion of a 25-year union that has largely remained out of the intense spotlight compared to the immediate royal family.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, drawing on verified reports from reputable news outlets such as NL Times and HELLO! Magazine. We will explore the timeline of events, provide context regarding Prince Bernhard’s lineage, and analyze the potential implications of this significant life change for the couple and the Dutch monarchy.

A Quiet Farewell: The Official Announcement

The news of the divorce broke on January 23, 2026, via an official statement released by the Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst (RVD), the Dutch Royal House’s information service. The announcement was characterized by a tone of mutual respect and shared commitment to their family.

According to reports from NL Times and HELLO! Magazine, the couple stated, "We will continue to jointly care for our three children." This sentiment was echoed in their joint declaration, emphasizing that the decision was made after long and careful consideration. The separation appears to be amicable, with both parties prioritizing the well-being of their children above all else.

Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau van Vollenhoven (born 1969) and Princess Annette (born 1972) married in 2000. For 25 years, they have maintained a relatively private life compared to the direct line of succession. Their divorce marks a rare event in the modern history of the Dutch royal family, which has otherwise been known for stable marital unions in recent generations.

"We will continue to jointly care for our three children." — Official statement via Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst, 2026.

The Timeline of Events

While the divorce announcement was made public in January 2026, the couple’s decision was likely a private process spanning months or years. Here is the verified timeline: * 2000: Prince Bernhard and Annette Sekrève get married. * 2001-2008: The couple welcomes three children: Isabella, Samuel, and Benjamin. * January 23, 2026: The RVD releases the official statement announcing the divorce by mutual agreement.

Who Is Prince Bernhard? Context and Background

To understand the significance of this news, it is essential to look at Prince Bernhard’s place within the Dutch monarchy. It is important to distinguish him from his grandfather, the late Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld (1911–2004), who was a towering historical figure and the husband of Queen Juliana.

The Prince Bernhard involved in this divorce is the son of Prince Pieter van Vollenhoven and Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. He is a nephew of the former Queen Beatrix and a cousin of the current King Willem-Alexander.

A Distinct Branch of the Family

While Prince Bernhard holds the title "Prince of the Netherlands," his immediate family operates slightly differently than the core royal family. His children—Isabella, Samuel, and Benjamin—do not hold royal titles and use the surname "van Vollenhoven." This distinguishes them from the children of King Willem-Alexander, who are direct heirs to the throne.

This distinction has allowed Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette a degree of privacy that is often denied to those in the direct line of succession. Their divorce, while notable, is unlikely to trigger constitutional concerns or shifts in the line of succession, as Prince Bernhard is not in the direct line to the throne.

Historical Precedents

The Dutch royal family has seen its share of marital complexities, though recent history has been relatively stable. The most significant modern precedent was the divorce of Prince Bernhard’s uncle, Prince Floris, and his wife, Princess Pieter van Vollenhoven in 2001. However, the longevity of Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette’s marriage—25 years—makes this a significant personal milestone for the couple and a noteworthy event for the royal household.

The announcement of the divorce has several immediate effects, both socially and administratively.

Family and Privacy

The immediate impact is, of course, on the family unit. The couple has three children ranging in age from late teens to early twenties. As reported by InStyle, the children are Isabella (23), Samuel (21), and Benjamin (17). The couple’s statement reassures the public that co-parenting remains their primary focus.

Because the children do not hold royal titles, they are largely shielded from the intense media scrutiny that often accompanies royal life. This lack of formal royal status may allow them to navigate their parents’ divorce with more privacy than their cousins in the direct line of succession.

Financial and Legal Considerations

While specific details regarding the division of assets have not been disclosed publicly—which is standard for Dutch royal divorces—there are established protocols. The couple has built a life together in Amsterdam, and any division of property will likely be handled through private legal channels.

From a social perspective, the reaction within the Netherlands has been one of respect for their privacy. Unlike celebrity divorces that play out in the tabloids, the Dutch press has adhered to the RVD’s request for discretion, focusing on the official statement rather than speculation.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

As Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette navigate this transition, several factors will shape their future paths.

Public Roles and Duties

Prince Bernhard has occasionally undertaken representational duties on behalf of the King, particularly in areas related to his professional background in aviation and business. It remains to be seen how his divorce will affect these public functions. Typically, divorced spouses of non-reigning princes step back from formal royal engagements, or they may continue in a reduced capacity depending on the circumstances.

However, given the "mutual agreement" nature of the split, it is likely that both will continue their professional pursuits independently. Princess Annette has maintained a career outside of the royal spotlight, and this independence will likely continue to define her public persona.

The Dutch Monarchy’s Stability

For the Dutch monarchy, this divorce is a personal tragedy for the family but does not pose a threat to the institution. The reign of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima remains secure, and the focus of the monarchy remains on the direct line of succession.

This event does highlight a modernizing trend within European royalty: the normalization of divorce. Just as seen with other European royal families (such as the British or Swedish), personal happiness and mutual respect are increasingly prioritized over the rigidity of staying in an unhappy union.

Interesting Facts About Prince Bernhard

To add a layer of depth to this profile, here are some interesting details about Prince Bernhard that go beyond the news of the divorce:

A Passion for Aviation: Prince Bernhard is a trained pilot and has a deep passion for aviation. He has worked in the aviation industry, holding positions at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and is a skilled glider pilot.
Nature Conservation: Following in the footsteps of his grandfather (the founder of the World Wildlife Fund), Prince Bernhard is involved in nature conservation. He has served in various capacities supporting wildlife and environmental initiatives in the Netherlands.
Sports Enthusiast: An avid sportsman, he is known for his love of skiing and sailing, hobbies he often shared with his family.
Educational Background: He studied law at Leiden University, following a tradition of academic rigor within the Dutch royal family.

Conclusion

The divorce of Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette after 25 years of marriage is a significant personal event that has been handled with the dignity and discretion characteristic of the Dutch Royal House. While the news may surprise the public, the couple’s joint statement emphasizes a shared commitment to their children and a respectful transition into a new phase of life.

As they move forward separately, the public and the press are urged to respect their privacy. For the Dutch monarchy, this event serves as a reminder of the human element behind the titles—complex relationships, evolving families, and the pursuit of individual happiness.

Sources: Verified reports from NL Times, HELLO! Magazine, and InStyle. Historical context derived from established records of the Dutch Royal House.