THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Queen Beatrix:
For me and my husband it is a great joy to announce the engagement of our son Willem-Alexander with Máxima Zorreguieta. We, as parents, are particularly happy with their decision to spend the rest of their lifes together.

We have learned to know Máxima as an intelligent, modern woman, courageous, and loyal to all people she loves. She stood for the difficult decision to adopt herself to the special mission of life of our oldest son. Together Alexander and Máxima have experienced that this mission sometimes ask big sacrifices their love must be able to survive. They are very well aware that many people in our country have understandable hesitations against their love. They carefully have included these feelings in taking their decision. Now the engagement is official, I want to ask you all to give Máxima the peace and time to learn to know our country better and to deepen herself into our society. She must get the chance to feel herself at home here and to become Dutch as soon as possible.

My husband and I have full confidence that Alexander and Máxima shall supliment eachother and support eachother in the task they have. We are delighted to see their happiness.

Prince Claus:
When I look back now to the time of the engagement of my wife and me, I again remember what I then heard and what I also can recommend Máxima: learn Dutch as quick as possible. She did and she did it in a way that I can't compare to anything with the fumbling I then achieved. A question that you can answer very difficult and that was asked to me many times is: "How does it feel to be Dutch?" My answer is: "I don't know how it is to be Dutch. I have various loyalties. And I am a citizen of the world and European. And Dutchman, that is there also. As pater familias who sometimes asks himself if a pater familias is still a position that directly impresses I thus will welcome Máxima in the family and wish her that she finds the happiness of her life on the side of Alexander. Thank you!"

Máxima:
I am very happy finally to appear in public with Alexander. I first wish to thank the parents of Alexander for their fantastic support. That was very important for me. I am very happy.

Willem-Alexander:
Also I am very happy that I finally don't have to hide my love for Máxima anymore. Next to my parents I also want to thank the rest of my family and the friends who made Máxima feel at home here so that she wishes to stay here with me. But happily they will very soon have the chance to know Máxima better.