King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has begun his reign by paying tribute to his mother Princess Beatrix who abdicated in his favour after 33 years as Queen. The King and Queen Maxima have three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, 9, who as the heir apparent will become the Princess of Orange, Alexia, 7, and Ariane, 5.  With her easy charm and ready smile, Princess Maxima was quick to win over the Dutch people, immersing herself in the language and culture of her adopted country and even swimming in an Amsterdam canal for charity.

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has begun his reign by paying tribute to his mother Princess Beatrix who abdicated in his favour after 33 years as Queen. The King and Queen Maxima have three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, 9, who as the heir apparent will become the Princess of Orange, Alexia, 7, and Ariane, 5.  With her easy charm and ready smile, Princess Maxima was quick to win over the Dutch people, immersing herself in the language and culture of her adopted country and even swimming in an Amsterdam canal for charity.