Queen Máxima of the Netherlands did not expect such a destiny, however she is today at the head of the Dutch monarchy. Discover everything you need to know about this exceptional woman, who has experienced a difficult past …
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, born Máxima Zorreguieta on May 17, 1971, is a commoner since she did not come from the nobility. However, she was able to transform her destiny to become the Queen of the Netherlands in 2013. Discover everything you need to know about this woman who is at the head of the emblematic kingdom of tulips.
What are the origins of Queen Máxima?
Before becoming queen, Máxima Zorreguieta was a former banker. She is the daughter of Jorge Zorreguieta, former Argentinian minister and grew up in the heart of the bourgeoisie of Buenos Aires, surrounded by her three brothers and sisters-Martín, Juan and Inés-as well as three half-sisters. A comfortable childhood, punctuated by the traditions of an easy and cultivated environment. And that’s not all, according to genealogical research, Máxima Zorreguieta would also descend from Alphonse III of Portugal and several large noble families of the Iberian Peninsula.
Why was his father not invited to his wedding?
The fairy tale of Queen Máxima, however, experienced some gray areas. During his marriage in 2002 with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, the presence of his father had been officially dismissed because of his controversial past, since the latter was a high-functionary of the Argentine dictatorship. A painful choice for Máxima Zorreguieta, who had declared at the time: “I regret that my father did his best in a bad diet. He had the best intentions, I believe him“.
Later, in 2013, two weeks before the enthronement of her husband to the rank of king, she confided during a television interview: “My father does not have his place if there are such questions that are raised.“”
How many languages does Queen Máxima speak?
The Queen Máxima of the Netherlands is a real polyglot. A native of Argentina, she naturally speaks Spanish, her mother tongue. She also masters English, which she already taught during her studies in economics and does not hesitate to exchange in French during the major royal meetings, especially with Queen Mathilde in Belgium. And of course, she learned the Dutch by joining the royal family at almost 30 years old.
But despite its efforts, some Dutch still find it difficult to understand it. According to a survey relayed by the program RTL boulevard10 % of the population claims not always to grasp their remarks in Dutch. A statistic which in no way does not attend the admiration that the country has, as its career reflects a desire for flawless integration.
Who are the children of Queen Máxima?
Queen Máxima, who measures 1m78, is the mother of three girls: Princess Heiress Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane. The latter, 18, has developed health problems linked to prolonged exposure to digital screens, according to revelations from the queen herself. During a conference organized in Amsterdam by UNICEF Netherlands and its association US mindQueen Máxima said: “She has vision problems due to the time she spends in front of the screen“.
What drama touched Máxima’s sister from the Netherlands?
In June 2018, Máxima of the Netherlands was experienced by a family drama. His sister, aged 33, Inés Zorreguieta ended his life, in remarks reported by Vanitatis el Confidencialshe had confided: “My dear and talented little sister, Inés, was sick. She did not find joy and could not be healed. Our only consolation is that she finally found peace“. Inés Zorreguieta suffered from depression and had already been treated in a psychiatric clinic in 2012.
This drama prompted the Queen to commit to improving the mental health of young people. In 2022, she founded US mindan organization dedicated to breaking isolation and creating spaces where speech can circulate freely. In an interview with Dutch media Lindashe explained: “When my sister died, I decided to say in all honesty that she committed suicide after years of mental health problems. Share my personal story deeply moved me “.
