Monday, February 20, 2023

Princess Margarita of Bourbon-Parma announces separation from husband

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Princess Margarita of Bourbon-Parma, the eldest daughter of Princess Irene of the Netherlands and Prince Carlos Hugo, Duke of Parma, and her husband Tjalling ten Cate have separated, according to a press release.  

"Some time ago we decided together and in friendship to separate.  After a wonderful time of more than sixteen years together, in which we shared joys and sorrows, each of us will now go our own way.  At the same time, we will always walk a path together as friends and loving parents to our two beautiful daughters."

The 50-year-old princess, who is King Willem-Alexander's first cousin, and Tjalling ten Cate, 47, were married on May 3, 2008.  Four months later, she gave birth to the couple's first child, Julia.   The couple's younger daughter, Paola was born in 2011.

The statement was released to the ANP news agency.  Princess Margarita and Mr. ten Cate will not answer further questions, and asked for "time and rest to get used to the new situation."


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 This will be the second divorce for Princess Margarita.  She was married to Edwin de Roy van Zuydewijn from 2001-2008.  In 2003, the Princess and her former husband accused the Dutch royal house and Netherland's General Security and Intelligence Service, AIVD, "of eavesdropping and thwarting the businessman in several interviews."   Their accusations led to an estrangement between the Princess and her family,  

Their claims proved to be false.  It was only after her divorce from De Roy van Zuydewijn that Margarita was slowly welcomed back into the family.   In an interview last year, she said: "Of course, I hurt so many people by standing behind him'. But also about the changed family relationships: 'A more honest way of talking has emerged."


Princess Margarita lives in Wassenaar with her two daughters.  She designs jewelry and enjoys equestrian sports.  Last week, she and her mother, Princess Irene, were among the guests at Princess Margriet's 80th birthday celebrations in Apeldorn.




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