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Dutch Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette Announce Divorce After 25 Years

Dutch officials say Annette will lose her princess title after the split.

Overview

  • The Royal House published a joint statement on Jan. 23 confirming a mutual decision to divorce and a plan to co-parent their three children.
  • The Government Information Service (RVD) confirmed Annette will forfeit the title of princess, while the children’s van Vollenhoven names and status remain unchanged.
  • The announcement was signed “Bernhard van Oranje and Annette Sekrève,” reflecting her use of her maiden name in the statement.
  • Bernhard is no longer in the line of succession and has had limited royal duties since changes following Queen Beatrix’s 2013 abdication.
  • The couple married in July 2000 after meeting at the University of Groningen and were last photographed together at King’s Day in Doetinchem on April 26, 2025.