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. The future queen was also instrumental in transforming the reputation of her husband, whose younger years as a boozing university student had led to doubts over his suitability as head of the House of Orange.

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.

The future queen was also instrumental in transforming the reputation of her husband, whose younger years as a boozing university student had led to doubts over his suitability as head of the House of Orange.