Royal Couple Divorces by Mutual Agreement After 25-Year Marriage
In a significant announcement, Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette have decided to divorce after 25 years of marriage. They shared their mutual agreement to part ways in a statement released by the Royal House of the Netherlands on January 23. The couple emphasized their commitment to continue co-parenting their three children: Isabella, Samuel, and Benjamin van Vollenhoven.
Details of the Royal Couple’s Divorce
The divorce, described by the couple as respectful, comes after a lengthy marriage that began with their wedding on July 8, 2000. They were last publicly seen together during the King’s Day celebrations in Doetinchem on April 26, 2025.
Background of the Royal Couple
- Names: Prince Bernhard, Princess Annette
- Marriage Date: July 8, 2000
- Engagement Announcement: March 11, 2000
- Children: Isabella (2002), Samuel (2004), Benjamin (2008)
Prince Bernhard is the second son of Princess Margriet and Pieter van Vollenhoven. Following the ascension of King Willem-Alexander in 2013, he is no longer in direct line for the throne. Princess Annette will also lose her title as princess following the divorce, as confirmed by the Government Information Service.
Post-Divorce Roles
Despite the divorce, their children will retain the family name van Vollenhoven. Prince Bernhard is currently a partner at Pinnacle, a real estate development firm in Amsterdam, and the founder of Lymph&Co, which supports lymphoma research. He also established Waterdream, a company specializing in bespoke aluminum yachts.
Princess Annette serves on the Advisory Council of the Papageno Foundation and has contributed to the Belevenis Foundation.
The royal couple requests privacy as they navigate this personal transition while maintaining their responsibilities as co-parents.
