Born before World War II as the first of four daughters, with her mother and sister Irene she spent the war years in Canada. There the third Dutch Princess, Margriet, was born. Having returned to The Netherlands, she attended an experimental education institute, "De Werkplaats" run by Kees Boeke in Bilthoven. Later on her education was continued at a Lyceum in Baarn and the University of Leiden.

In her youth she enjoyed horse-riding, sailing, swimming and skiing. She also became a competent sculptress and enjoyed the contact with artists. In 1961 she finished her education in Leiden and started to travel the world, visiting Iran, Pakistan, Thailand, India, The Philippines, the United States, Surinam, Japan and Canada.

However, her engagement to the German diplomat, Claus von Amsberg, was at first frowned upon until his qualities became obvious. They became the parents of three sons. Castle Drakesteyn, bought in 1959, was their home until, in 1980 after Queen Juliana's abdication, Beatrix became Queen of The Netherlands; then, after restorations were completed, Palace "Huis ten Bosch" in The Hague became the residence.

Queen Juliana was regarded almost as a mother to most Dutch people, Queen Beatrix was at first seen as merely a very competent manager until, when visiting disaster sights in The Netherlands, her emotions surfaced and it became obvious that her managing was done with a human heart. 
 
 

Source: Leo van de Pas