How to Pronounce Willem-Alexander

Meaning and Context

Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand ascended to the Dutch throne on April 30, 2013, following the historic abdication of his mother, Queen Beatrix, thereby becoming the first King of the Netherlands in over a century. His full title, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, marks a modern era for the Dutch monarchy, which is known for its constitutional role and strong connection to the people. As the sovereign, he performs essential state functions, such as signing laws, receiving foreign dignitaries, and representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which includes the Caribbean nations of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Together with his wife, Queen Máxima, he actively engages in promoting Dutch trade, water management expertise, and social cohesion, often emphasizing the monarchy's role as a unifying symbol for the nation. His reign is characterized by a pragmatic and approachable style, balancing royal tradition with contemporary public engagement.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling is the hyphenated "Willem-Alexander," which is the official and most common form. A frequent variation omits the hyphen, resulting in "Willem Alexander," though this is considered less formal. Common misspellings and typos include "William-Alexander" (substituting the English "William" for the Dutch "Willem"), "Willem Alexander" (missing the hyphen), and "Willem-Alexandar" (misspelling the second half). In informal contexts, he is sometimes referred to simply as "Willem," though "King Willem-Alexander" is the proper referent. When writing in Dutch, the compound name is always connected, and it is a common error for non-Dutch speakers to separate the two names or to anglicize the spelling.

Example Sentences

Following the abdication ceremony at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, King Willem-Alexander pledged his oath to the constitution before the States General.

Many international observers noted the king's personable demeanor when he briefly worked incognito as a co-pilot for KLM, showcasing his down-to-earth character.

Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander often undertake official visits to highlight Dutch innovation in sustainable agriculture and water defense systems.

In his annual Christmas speech, Willem-Alexander frequently addresses themes of national unity and volunteerism, resonating with a broad segment of the Dutch public.

Historians will likely study his reign as a period where the Dutch monarchy further cemented its role as a stable, apolitical institution in a rapidly changing society.

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