Irene on her own says Dutch government

April 9, 1964

The Dutch Government announce tonight that Princess Irene  will remain "second in line of succession to the throne until the day she married," but the Cabinet "could not" take the "political responsibility for her activities," reports the New York Times.

The statement was made "in the form of a note to Parliament."  If Parliament approves the note next Tuesday, the Dutch Cabinet "can no longer be criticized" if Princess Irene becomes involved "in Spanish politics," supporting the claim to the Spanish throne by her fiancé, Prince Carlos of Bourbon-Parma.

Should the note be approved,  Princess Irene will be "regarded by the Government as if she were already married."  The Dutch Government made it clear that Princess Irene, second daughter of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard, should have "refrained from political activities" before her wedding.

Princess Irene could not accept this position.  The primary reason for the conflict between Princess Irene and her parents and the Government is her "desire" to take part in the annual demonstration of the "Carlist movement" in Spain on May 3.

Carlists believe Prince Xavier, the father of Prince Carlos, is the "rightful" King of Spain.