 |
princess MaximaPrincess of the Netherlands and Princess of Orange-Nassau, wife of the Dutch heir to the throne Willem-Alexander
Date of Birth: 17.05.1971
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
- Queen Máxima of the Netherlands
- Career in Finance
- Meeting Prince Willem-Alexander and Engagement
- Wedding and Controversies
- Children
- International Roles
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands
Early Life and EducationMáxima Zorreguieta was born on May 17, 1971, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her paternal great-grandmother inspired her name, Máxima. Her father, Jorge Zorreguieta, served as Argentina's Minister of Agriculture under the dictatorship of Jorge Rafael Videla. Máxima's mother was María del Carmen Cerruti. She had three brothers and sisters: Martín, Juan, and Inés (who tragically died by suicide in 2018).
Máxima received her education in Buenos Aires. She graduated from Northlands School in 1988 and earned a degree in Economics from Universidad Católica Argentina in 1989.
Career in Finance
During her university studies, Máxima worked at Mercado Abierto SA, researching software for financial markets. From 1992-1995, she worked in the sales department of Boston Securities SA and also taught English and mathematics.
From 1996-1998, Máxima was Vice President of Sales for Latin America at HSBC James Capel Inc. in New York. She also held positions at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and Deutsche Bank. From 2000-2001, she worked for Deutsche Bank in Brussels.
Meeting Prince Willem-Alexander and Engagement
In April 1999, Máxima met Prince Willem-Alexander at a private party in Spain. On March 31, 2001, Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus announced the engagement of their eldest son to Máxima Zorreguieta. Máxima became a Dutch citizen on May 17, 2001.
Wedding and Controversies
On February 2, 2002, Máxima and Willem-Alexander had a civil ceremony at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, followed by a religious ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk. Dutch parliamentarians initially opposed the marriage due to Máxima's father's ties to the Videla regime, but eventually granted permission. Máxima's parents were not present at the wedding.
Children
On December 7, 2003, Princess Catharina-Amalia Beatrix Carmen Victoria was born. She is the eldest daughter of Willem-Alexander and Maxima and the first in line to the Dutch throne. Princess Alexia Juliana Marcela Laurentien was born on June 26, 2005, and is second in line to the throne. Princess Ariane Wilhemina Máxima Inés was born on April 10, 2007, and is third in line to the throne.
International Roles
Máxima has been appointed as the United Nations Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. In this role, she focuses on financial inclusion, financial literacy, and protecting consumer rights.
