Princess Maxima Recipient of Machiavelli Prize

On Wednesday, the Netherlands’ Princess Maxima took home the 2011 Machiavelli Prize during a ceremony at The Hague. Established in 1987, the Machiavelli Foundation awards those who promote communication in the public eye.

Click here to read Maxima's speech in entirety

Dressed in bright purple, Her Royal Highness accepted the award with her husband, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, in the audience. She then gave a speech where she reflected on her public life over the past decade.

“Last Thursday it was exactly ten years ago through my marriage I became a princess,” Maxima began. “That was an unforgettable day and at the same time when my life took a totally different turn. When one married a crown prince, not only does she say ‘yes’ to a husband and a good family, but a whole country. I said on that day also ‘yes’ to a beautiful but busy job and a life in the limelight. This provides constraints on, certainly, but also many opportunities to achieve positive things for Dutch society. It’s great to get you there in full in order to continue. And to be honest: sometimes that spotlight also help to achieve greater effectiveness in my work. But I need you, as communication experts of course impossible to explain.”

The Princess then admitted she did not feel worthy of the prize.

“I must be honest. I hesitated whether I should have received this award. First, the jury qualification about my alleged role in “strengthening the support for the monarchy as a symbol of national unity.” That sounded like an invitation again today to say something about the Dutch identity. And how that topic fascinates me, I know from experience that such a biscuit with your tea may lie heavy on the stomach.

“There is another reason why I hesitated. Because the jury has been kind to me personally about many special qualities and performance. Yet you must believe me that we, my husband and I, our work can only do so based on the Kingship of my mother in law and authority that it has built in almost 32 years. We are part of her team. Without my husband and my mother-in-law had the last ten years I could never do what I did. Their passion and their love for the Netherlands ten years ago has become mine. With the way they work they gave me from day an inspiring example. And their confidence gave me confidence to pursue my own way to give substance to a whole new life. I am grateful for them. This is their award.”

Finishing up her speech, the Princess pointed out the traits needed for royalty.

“I was ten years ago from one day to a totally different role. But apparently you as a jury – and hopefully many other people too – noticed that the ‘princess’ role is not that you can play. The contents and authenticity are especially important in the relationship with the people I meet. This reciprocity is always there.”

With that, Maxima thanked the jury and ended her acceptance speech.

Sources: Het Koninklijk Huis