The Dutch Royal Family: Drama, Spin-offs, and a Princess Finding Her Voice
Princess Margarita of Bourbon-Parma’s life has been anything but conventional. Born to Princess Irene and Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon-Parma, her lineage connects both the Dutch Royal House of Orange and the former Bourbon-Parma dynasty. For years, she maintained a relatively private existence, but that changed dramatically with her relationship with Edwin de Roy van Zuydewijn in the early 2000s.
A Marriage Met with Resistance
The romance between Margarita and Edwin sparked controversy within the Dutch royal family. Edwin lacked a noble background and was known for his media presence, raising concerns about potential negative publicity. This led to a public rift with her family, with Margarita accusing the royal family and the justice system of obstructing her marriage. The conflict played out openly in the media.
Despite the opposition, the couple married in Amsterdam on June 19, 2001, followed by a church wedding in Auch, France. Notably, Queen Beatrix, Margarita’s godmother, and her father were absent from the church ceremony. Only three members of the Royal House attended: Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien, and Prince Pieter-Christiaan.
Oranjebitter and a Public Fallout
The tensions escalated when Margarita was reportedly excluded from significant family events, including Prince Willem-Alexander’s wedding to Máxima and the funeral of Prince Claus. Margarita publicly accused her aunt Beatrix of systematically undermining her husband. The situation reached a peak in 2003 with the publication of Oranjebitter, a four-part series detailing their struggle against the House of Orange.
During this period, Margarita and Edwin even claimed they were being bugged by the Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst (Government Information Service), alleging a microphone was hidden in a wall. This claim was later debunked, attributed to a simple screw.
Divorce and a New Chapter
The marriage ultimately dissolved, with the separation finalized in 2006 after years of tension, legal battles, and intense media scrutiny. Margarita reportedly chose her family, influenced by pressure and doubts about Edwin. She later reflected on the period, stating she had lost herself in the relationship and feared what would happen if she let him go.
Margarita eventually reconciled with her family and found happiness again, marrying jurist Tjalling ten Cate in 2008. They had two daughters, Julia, and Paola. She also rebuilt her relationship with Princess Beatrix, bonding over their shared passion for horses and frequently appearing together at Jumping Amsterdam.
Recent Developments and Continued Media Attention
In 2023, Margarita and Tjalling ten Cate divorced, a deeply affecting event that led her to seek psychological support. Since then, she has been more visible in public and openly discusses her life. Edwin de Roy van Zuydewijn continues to share his perspective on their relationship and the royal family in the media.
Currently, a Videoland series is in production focusing on the lives of Mabel and Margarita, potentially revisiting the controversies of the past. Edwin de Roy van Zuydewijn is seeking access to the scripts, with a court hearing scheduled for March 31st to consider his request.
The Rise of Royal Spin-offs: A Trend?
The upcoming series focusing on Margarita and Mabel highlights a growing trend: the dramatization of royal lives. This follows the success of series like “Máxima,” which explored the life of Queen Máxima. This suggests a public appetite for behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of royalty, even – and perhaps especially – when those glimpses reveal conflict and drama.
FAQ
Q: What is Oranjebitter?
A: Oranjebitter was a four-part series published in 2003 detailing Princess Margarita and Edwin de Roy van Zuydewijn’s struggles with the Dutch Royal Family.
Q: Why was Princess Margarita’s marriage to Edwin de Roy van Zuydewijn controversial?
A: Edwin lacked a noble background and was a public figure, which raised concerns within the royal family about negative publicity.
Q: What is the current status of Princess Margarita’s relationship with her family?
A: Princess Margarita has reconciled with her family, particularly Princess Beatrix, and they share a common interest in horses.
Q: Is Edwin de Roy van Zuydewijn still involved in public discourse about the royal family?
A: Yes, Edwin continues to share his perspective in the media.
Did you know? Queen Beatrix and Margarita’s father were absent from her church wedding in France.
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