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Where Do Princes Live?

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Marianne
Marianne
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Where Do Princes Live?

  • February 2, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Marianne from Eindhoven, Netherlands
Where Do Princes Live?

Until 1980, Willem-Alexander lived at Drakensteyn, a castle with its own grounds near Utrecht. In 1980, when Beatrix became queen, they moved to The Hague and lived at Huis ten Bosch. This palace dates back to the 17th century. The interior is richly decorated with wall paintings of former Stadholders. If you would like to see this palace, albeit from a distance, it’s best to take a taxi. You are not allowed onto the grounds. But from the drive you can have a peek. The military police will probably allow you to take some photos. Around the castle is a park, where you can wander about and see the back of the palace and the 'famous pond'.

Prince Willem-Alexander rode his bike to school every day. (And sometimes his mother’s ‘company car’ took him). The princes grew up as normally as possible. The press leaves them at peace. However, every now and then there are photo sessions. When he was quite young he ordered the press ‘to leave him alone'. An apology was due afterwards.

He then moved to his own place: Noordeinde 66 in The Hague. This house doesn’t look like a palace at all. It is in a busy shopping street. It doesn't have its own grounds, it is right on the street. It is not detached. It’s a terraced house, so he shares his walls with his neighbours. You can walk past it, and if you didn't know it you would not even notice that this is the place where the Crown Prince lives.

Continue on the same street and you will get to ‘Paleis Noordeinde’. This palace is used for official engagements. It is very strange to see that this palace is right in the middle of a busy shoppings street.

It was built in the 16th century. From 1813 to 1940 it was the home of kings and queens. Queen Beatrix works here during the week, it is a’work palace’. It is here that she receives foreign heads of states and government. In 1998, President Clinton was one of her guests.

From journal And They Lived Happily Ever After: A Royal Wedding

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