Prince Claus
6 sep 1926 - 6 oct 2002
Prince Claus is born 6 september 1926 in Dötzingen, Germany. His name is Claus von Amsberg.
In 1936, when he is 10, he moves with his parents to Tanganjika in Africa.
Later he describes his african youth as the best time in his life.
In 1948 he starts studying Law and Political Science at the university of Hamburg,
afterwards he start working for the German Foreign Service.
He works in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic from 1958 till 1961.
In 1961, he is placed in Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire again in Africa. He stays there until 1963.
Later he worked for Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bonn, at the department responsible for
economic relations with Africa south of the Sahara until 1965.
At 28 June 1965 the engagement between then Claus von Amsberg and
crown princess Beatrix of the Netherlands is announced. The wedding takes place at 10 March 1966.
He receives the title Prince of the Netherlands.
The couple gets three childeren:
Willem Alexander (1967)
Johan Friso (1968)
Constantijn (1969)
The prince is commited to serveral dutch organisations, some of them are related to Africa.
For his 70th birthday, the Prince Claus Fund is established.
The prince himself gives away the awards every year.
During one of his speeches he took of his tie, which made him very popular.
During another speech he declared openly and frankly the love for his wife.
Of course he is present when the engagement of his eldest son
Willem Alexander with Maxima Zorreguieta is announced.
Also was he present at the wedding
In 2002, after the wedding, he started to be very ill, he spent more time in the hospital
AMC in Amsterdam, then at home.
Allthough he was very ill, he was still able to hold his first grandchild Countess Eloise,
the daughter of Constantijn and Laurentien, born 8 june 2002.
During one of his last stays at palace Huis ten Bosch, this picture is taken.
Prince Claus looks very fragile.
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