This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On August 16, 2019, the Dutch royal family announced the passing of Princess Christina, the youngest sister of Queen Beatrix, who abdicated in 2013.
Princess Christina, born in 1947 with limited vision, was the fourth daughter of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard.
"We are saddened at the death of our dear sister and aunt," the royal family said in a tweet.
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Princess Beatrix remembered Christina as having a "striking personality and a big heart," and cherished the many wonderful memories of her.
Princess Christina developed a love of music and song, and a life outside the royal court. She married exiled Cuban teacher Jorge Guillermo in 1975, renouncing her succession rights, and had three children before divorcing in 1996.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte remembered the princess as a "warm personality" and voiced his sadness in a statement.
