Prince Johan-Friso of the Netherlands
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Prince Johan-Friso (born Johan Friso Bernhard Christiaan David on September 25, 1968) is the second son of Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg.
The Prince, who had been third in line for the throne before his marriage, worked at the Amsterdam branch of the international management consultancy McKinsey and holds a degree in aeronautical economics and management. To prepare himself for the possibility of succession to the throne, he took courses in Dutch law and parliamentary history.
On 30 June 2003 it was announced that Johan-Friso was to marry Mabel Wisse Smit. The Dutch cabinet however refused to introduce to parliament a law authorising the marriage, which was necessary if he were to retain succession to the throne. The Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende explained that this was due to discussions with Mabel Smit in October 2003 where she had admitted that her previous statements about an alleged relationship with Klaas Bruinsma (6 October 1953 - 27 June 1991), known as a Godfather of the Dutch drugs trade, had not been complete and accurate. She had previously stated that she had contact for a few months with Bruinsma, but in a casual context, not intimate or relating to business and that she had broken the contact on learning of Bruinsma's occupation. This "breach of trust" was the reason for not giving approval, and the request for approval was also withdrawn by the couple. They nevertheless married on April 24, 2004, and Mabel Smit-Wisse became a member of the Dutch royal family. Because of this marriage, Prince Johan-Friso is no longer in the line of succession to the throne.
On 26 March 2005, Johan-Friso and Mabel welcomed their first child, a daughter, Countess Emma Luana Ninette Sophie. Her official title will be HE Countess Emma of Orange-Nassau but she will be called Luana by friends and family.
External link
- Geen Toestemmingswet Huwelijk Friso en Mabel (http://www.regering.nl/actueel/nieuwsarchief/2003/10October/10/42_21755.jsp?ComponentID=21755&SourcePageID=7496), regering.nl, 10 October 2003 (Dutch)de:Johan Friso von Oranien-Nassau