In the first country to allow same-sex marriage in 2001, the Dutch government extends the law to the heir to the throne.
New breakthrough for same-sex union in the Netherlands. In a letter to Parliament on October 13, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte clarified the law on same-sex marriage. “The government considers that Princess Amalia would not have to relinquish the throne in the event that she wishes to marry a woman ” said the statesman in a letter taken up by International mail. In 2001, same-sex marriage was legalized in the Netherlands, making it the first country to legislate in this direction. However, until then, nothing indicated what was the case for members of the royal family and in particular for heirs and their rights to inheritance.
This question about access to the throne in the event of marriage to a person of the same sex was raised after the publication of a book by Peter Rehwinkel. In his book, the royal family specialist believes that Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia should lose her inheritance rights if she marries another woman. An assertion now contradicted by the government in place. At almost 18 years old, the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima is first in the order of succession.
The estate of a homosexual royal couple to study
In the Netherlands, royal weddings are subject to parliamentary approval. If the Prime Minister has affirmed the possibility for the Crown Princess to marry a woman without having to give up the throne, the accession to the throne for their children would deserve more discussions.
Indeed, in his letter, Mark Rutte mentions the issue of inheritance rights for the children of a homosexual royal couple as “a little more complicated”. If Catharina-Amalia can, if she wishes, marry another woman, the arrival to the throne of her possible children should be subject to the scrutiny of the government and Parliament. As the monarchy is based on the principle of heredity, it would be necessary to define the biological link between the child and the Dutch royal family. For now, the issue remains pending, with the princess having made no comment on her private life and sexual orientation.
Article written in collaboration with 6Medias