Birth
She was born Maria Christina (Marijke) at Soestdijk Palace, The Netherlands. Among her godparents was Winston Churchill. Her mother had contracted German measles during her pregnancy and as a result, the Princess was born nearly blind. Over time, advances in medicine allowed for treatments that, with the aid of special glasses, brought about an improvement in her vision so that she could attend school and live a relatively normal life. Despite this initial handicap, she was a brilliant and happy child, with a considerable talent for music. She also had a capacity for languages and as a young girl delighted the visiting President of the French Republic René Coty, by conversing fluently with him in the French language.
Princess Christina of the Netherlands could claim British nationality because of her descent from Sophia, Electress of Hanover. Her British nationality is based on 'The Act for the Naturalization of the Most Excellent Princess Sophia, Electress and Duchess Dowager of Hanover, and the Issue of her Body' from 1705. This Act was repealed in 1948 and is no longer in force, but that was after her birth.
Princess Christina of the Netherlands is a direct descendant of Sophia, Electress of Hanover via her grandson King George II of Great Britain's daughter Anne, Princess of Orange, Fürstin of Nassau née Princess of Great Britain and Ireland, Princess of Hanover, Duchess of Braunschweig and Lüneburg, The Princess Royal (1709–1759).
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Famous quotes containing the word birth:
“I am being given, if I may venture the expression, birth into death, such is my impression. The feet are clear already, of the great cunt of existence.”
—Samuel Beckett (19061989)
“But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
—Bible: New Testament, Luke 1:13-15.
“Heaven does not permit the birth of useless people.”
—Chinese proverb.