Royal Couple Divorce Amicably After 25 Years of Marriage

Bassyonni

Published: January 24, 2026 10:31 AM ET

Royal Couple Divorce Amicably After 25 Years of Marriage

After 25 years of marriage, Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette of the Netherlands have announced their amicable divorce. The royal couple shared this decision in a joint statement, emphasizing their mutual respect and agreement. The announcement was made public on January 23.

Guardianship and Family

Despite their separation, Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette will continue to co-parent their three children: Isabella, Samuel, and Benjamin van Vollenhoven. They have requested privacy for their family during this transitional period.

Title Change and Legacy

Following the divorce, Princess Annette will lose her royal title, as confirmed by the Government Information Service (RVD). However, their children will retain their surname, van Vollenhoven, which they use despite not holding an official royal title.

A Glimpse into Their Relationship

Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette’s journey began in the 1990s at the University of Groningen. After years of dating, they announced their engagement on March 11, 2000. They married on July 8, 2000, at a civil ceremony led by the Mayor of Utrecht, Annie Brouwer-Korf. Their marriage was blessed in the Cathedral of St. Martin in Utrecht two days later.

Family Milestones

2002: Birth of daughter Isabella
2004: Birth of son Samuel
2008: Birth of son Benjamin

Professional Pursuits

Prince Bernhard, who is no longer in the direct line of succession following his cousin King Willem-Alexander’s ascension in 2013, is self-employed. He is currently a partner at Pinnacle real estate in Amsterdam and founded Lymph&Co, which supports lymphoma research. He also established Waterdream, a company that creates custom aluminum yachts.

Princess Annette remains engaged in philanthropic efforts as a member of the Papageno Foundation Advisory Council and has contributed her time to the Belevenis Foundation.