Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

Born 29 Jun 1911 Jena, Germany

Died 1 Dec 2004 Utrecht, Netherlands

Citizenship Germany

Would Be 115 yr If Living

10 min read

Reading time

1,926

Words

Mar 13, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, born in 1911 in Jena, Germany, was the husband of Queen Juliana and prince consort from 1948. He helped found the World Wildlife Fund and fathered Queen Beatrix, among four legitimate daughters. Despite an early Nazi Party membership, he supported the British Royal Air Force during World War II. He died in 2004 at age 93 from lung and stomach cancer.

Identity & family.

KIN · 10

Names, aliases, and relatives of Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Aliases Z.K.H. Prins Bernhard, Prinz Bernhard der Niederlande

Parents: Armgard of Sierstorpff Cramm Prince Bernhard of Lippe
Spouses: Queen Juliana
Children: Beatrix of the Netherlands Princess Irene of the Netherlands Princess Margriet of the Netherlands Princess Christina of the Netherlands Alicia de Bielefeld Alexia Grinda
Siblings: Prince Aschwin of Lippe Biesterfeld

At a glance.

STATS

Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands by the numbers — life, work, and family.

93 Years lived

20 Awards

1 Marriage

6 Children

Who was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands?

BIOGRAPHY

Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Prince Bernhard was born on 29 June 1911 in Jena, Grand Duchy of Saxony, German Empire, to Prince Bernhard of Lippe and Armgard of Sierstorpff Cramm. Educated at the Arndt-Gymnasium Dahlem in Berlin and later at the University of Lausanne and Frederick William University Berlin. His upbringing in a German princely family placed him among European nobility, but the political turbulence of the early 20th century would shape his complex trajectory.

Career

Prince Bernhard married Princess Juliana of the Netherlands in 1937, becoming a member of the Dutch royal family. During World War II, after the German invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, he served as a liaison officer and flew combat missions for the Royal Air Force, earning the Bronze Star Medal. Following Juliana’s accession to the throne in 1948, he assumed the role of prince consort. In 1961, he co-founded the World Wildlife Fund and became its first president, leveraging his royal status for global conservation. He also received numerous honors, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour and the Nansen Refugee Award.

Personal life

Prince Bernhard was married to Queen Juliana from 7 January 1937 until her death in 2004. They had four daughters: Beatrix born 1938, Irene born 1939, Margriet born 1943, and Christina born 1947. He also acknowledged two illegitimate children: Alicia de Bielefeld and Alexia Grinda. His only sibling was Prince Aschwin of Lippe Biesterfeld. Despite the controversy surrounding his early Nazi ties, his family life remained anchored in the Dutch royal household.

Legacy

Prince Bernhard is most remembered as a co-founder of the World Wildlife Fund in 1961, which grew into a leading global conservation organization. His efforts were recognized with the Nansen Refugee Award in 1964. He died on 1 December 2004 in Utrecht at age 93. His legacy as prince consort and father of Queen Beatrix endures, though his early Nazi Party membership remains a complex aspect. He was portrayed on several Dutch postal stamps, marking his place in the nation’s history.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 20

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
Bronze Star Medal
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
Nansen Refugee Award
Honorary Order of the Yellow Star
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Netherlands Lion
Grand Cross of the Order of the Southern Cross
World War II Victory Medal
Knight Grand Officer of the Order of William
Zilveren Anjer
Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Grand Star of the Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria
Order of the Yugoslavian Great Star
Order of Propitious Clouds
Order of the Redeemer
Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland

Did you know?

FACTS · 4

Little-known facts about Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Prince Bernhard was instrumental in the founding of the World Wildlife Fund.
He fathered Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands and Princess Irene, among others.
Despite an early Nazi Party membership in the 1930s, he later backed the British Royal Air Force during the German occupation of the Netherlands from 1941 to 1945.
His likeness appears on multiple Dutch postal stamps.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 32

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

When was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands born?

Prince Bernhard was born on 29 June 1911 in Jena, Grand Duchy of Saxony, German Empire. He was the son of Prince Bernhard of Lippe and Armgard of Sierstorpff Cramm. He died at age 93 on 1 December 2004.
Where was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands born?

He was born in Jena, then part of the Grand Duchy of Saxony in the German Empire. Today, that location is in the state of Thuringia, Germany. His birthplace reflects his German noble heritage.
When did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands die?

Prince Bernhard died on 1 December 2004 in Utrecht, Netherlands. He was 93 years old at the time of his death. The cause of death was lung and stomach cancer.
How old was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands when he died?

He died at age 93. Prince Bernhard was born in 1911 and passed away in 2004. His long life spanned major events of the 20th century.
Where did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands die?

He died in Utrecht, a city in the province of Utrecht, Netherlands. The University Medical Center Utrecht is often cited as the location. He had been suffering from lung and stomach cancer.
How did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands die?

Prince Bernhard died from complications of lung and stomach cancer. He was diagnosed earlier in 2004 and passed away on 1 December at age 93. His death came after a long illness.
What nationality was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands?

Prince Bernhard was German by birth. He was born in the German Empire and retained German citizenship. After marrying Queen Juliana, he became a naturalized Dutch citizen.
What language did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands speak?

His native language was German. He also spoke Dutch and English fluently, as required by his role in the Dutch royal family. His German background sometimes caused controversy.
Who were Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands's parents?

His parents were Prince Bernhard of Lippe and Armgard of Sierstorpff Cramm. They were German aristocrats. His father was a prince of the House of Lippe.
Who was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands married to?

He was married to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. They wed on 7 January 1937. The marriage lasted until her death in 2004.
How many children did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands have?

Prince Bernhard had six children: four with Queen Juliana and two illegitimate. His legitimate children are Beatrix, Irene, Margriet, and Christina. His illegitimate daughters are Alicia de Bielefeld and Alexia Grinda.
Did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands have any siblings?

He had one sibling, his younger brother Prince Aschwin of Lippe Biesterfeld. They were close in childhood. Aschwin later lived in the United States.
Where did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands go to school?

He attended the Arndt-Gymnasium Dahlem in Berlin. He later studied at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and Frederick William University Berlin. His education was typical for German nobility.
What awards did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands receive?

He received numerous honors including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, Bronze Star Medal, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, and the Nansen Refugee Award. In total, he was awarded 20 major decorations from various countries.
What are the aliases of Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands?

He was also known as Z.K.H. Prins Bernhard and Prinz Bernhard der Niederlande. These titles reflect his position in the Dutch and German royal contexts. He was officially styled as His Royal Highness Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.
What was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands's birth name?

His full birth name was Bernhard Leopold Friedrich Eberhard Julius Kurt Karl Gottfried Peter zu Lippe-Biesterfeld. He was born into the House of Lippe. After marrying Juliana, he adopted the Dutch version of his name.
What films or shows did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands appear in?

He appeared in documentaries such as Juliana in zeventig bewogen jaren, V.I.P.-Schaukel, Koninginnedag, and Proudly She Marches. These programs focused on the Dutch royal family. He also had a cameo in a television special.
Who are Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands's grandchildren?

His grandchildren include King Willem-Alexander, Prins Maurits, Prins Constantijn, Prins Carlos de Bourbon de Parme, Bernhard van Oranje, Pieter-Christiaan van Vollenhoven, Prince Jaime Bourbon-Parma, Floris van Vollenhoven, and Friso Prins van Oranje-Nassau. They come from his four legitimate daughters.
Why did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands join the Nazi Party?

Prince Bernhard joined the Nazi Party in the early 1930s, a decision he later regretted. He claimed it was to protect his family’s interests. During World War II, he actively supported the Allies and the Dutch resistance.
Did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands serve in World War II?

Yes, during World War II he supported the British Royal Air Force after the German invasion of the Netherlands. He flew combat missions and served as a liaison officer. For his service, he received the Bronze Star Medal.
When did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands become prince consort?

He became prince consort when his wife Juliana ascended the throne in 1948. He held this position until Juliana’s abdication in 1980. Even after abdication, he remained an active member of the royal family.
What is Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands's connection to the World Wildlife Fund?

He co-founded the World Wildlife Fund in 1961 and served as its first president. Under his leadership, the organization grew into a global conservation force. He was awarded the Nansen Refugee Award for his humanitarian work.
Did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands have illegitimate children?

Yes, he had two acknowledged illegitimate daughters: Alicia de Bielefeld and Alexia Grinda. Their existence became public knowledge later in his life. He maintained relationships with them.
Where is Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands buried?

He was buried in the Dutch royal family crypt at the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft on 11 December 2004. His wife Queen Juliana was interred there after her death in 2004. The crypt is the traditional resting place for the House of Orange-Nassau.
How did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands's Nazi past affect his legacy?

His early Nazi Party membership remained a controversial aspect of his biography. Despite this, he is remembered for his wartime service for the Allies and his conservation work. He publicly expressed regret for his Nazi associations.
What was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands's role in the Dutch monarchy?

He served as prince consort to Queen Juliana from 1948 to 1980. He undertook many official engagements and represented the monarchy abroad. He was the father of Queen Beatrix, who succeeded Juliana.
How many languages did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands speak?

He spoke German as his native language, and also Dutch and English. He learned Dutch after marrying Juliana. His multilingual skills aided his diplomatic duties.
What is Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands's most enduring legacy?

He is best remembered as a co-founder of the World Wildlife Fund. His conservation efforts had a global impact. Additionally, he is recognized as the father of Queen Beatrix and patriarch of the modern Dutch royal family.
Did Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands receive any Dutch honors?

He received the Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Netherlands Lion and the Knight Grand Officer of the Order of William. He also was awarded the Zilveren Anjer for his cultural contributions. These are among the Netherlands’ highest honors.
Was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands involved in any scandals?

Besides his Nazi past, he was involved in the Lockheed bribery scandal in the 1970s, which tarnished his reputation. He was investigated but never prosecuted. He later retired from public life.
What was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands's relationship with his daughter Beatrix?

He was the father of Princess Beatrix, who became Queen of the Netherlands in 1980. They had a close but sometimes strained relationship due to his controversies. He supported her reign from the sidelines.
How old was Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands when he married Juliana?

He was 26 years old when he married Princess Juliana on 7 January 1937. Juliana was 28 at the time. The wedding was a major national event in the Netherlands.

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Michael is the last person to read a profile before it goes live, which makes him the one who catches what everyone else missed. 5 years as a copy editor has given him a sharp sense for what's off. A wrong year, a vague credit, a sentence that almost makes sense but doesn't quite. He's especially thorough with filmographies. He'll tell you that's where most of the errors hide. He's right.

Published on March 13, 2026

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