Marriage and family

They became engaged in November 1997 and married in May 1998. The civil ceremony was conducted by the Mayor of Apeldoorn, Harm Bruins Slot, at Het Loo Palace, Apeldoorn, on 29 May. The marriage was blessed the following day during a service led by Rev. N. ter Linden and Father G. Oostvogel OP in the Grote Kerk, Apeldoorn.

Title

Since her marriage on 29 May 1998 Princess Marilène has held the courtesy title of Princess of Orange-Nassau. Although not a Princess in her own right, she is addressed as ‘Your Highness’, following the custom that a wife takes her husband’s title. Through her marriage, Princess Marilène is now a member of the Royal House.

Children

Princess Marilène and Prince Maurits have three children. Anna (Anastasia Margriet Joséphine) van Lippe-Biesterfeld van Vollenhoven was born on 15 April 2001. Lucas (Lucas Maurits Pieter Henri) van Lippe-Biesterfeld van Vollenhoven was born on 26 October 2002. Felicia (Felicia Juliana Bénedicte Barbara) van Lippe-Biesterfeld van Vollenhoven was born on 31 May 2005. All three children were born in Amsterdam, where the family also lives.