Princess Irene of the Netherlands celebrated her 80th birthday on August 5, 2019. Born as the second daughter of Crown Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld, Princess Irene was once third in line to the Dutch throne. Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon-Parma in 1964, a union that was heavily opposed by her parents and the Dutch government. This bold move marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that would be filled with dedication to nature conservation and a loving family.
Princess Irene has spent decades advocating for nature conservation, a passion that has been passed down through her four children. Today, she is a proud grandmother of ten. Her late husband, Prince Carlos Hugo, passed away in 2010. Despite the challenges she faced in her early life, Princess Irene has remained committed to her values and continues to inspire those around her. As she celebrates this significant milestone, we take a moment to reflect on her remarkable journey and the enduring legacy she has left behind.
what are some of Princess Irene’s most significant contributions to nature conservation
- Founding The Naturecollege:
- Princess Irene founded The Naturecollege in 2001, a non-profit organization focused on reconnecting people with nature and promoting sustainability. This organization aims to educate people about the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
- Bergplaas Nature Reserve:
- Princess Irene owns Bergplaas, a 5,000-hectare nature reserve in the Karoo region of South Africa. She has worked to restore the land by reintroducing indigenous game and creating a safe space for people to reconnect with nature. The reserve offers programs like Spirit of the Wild, which trains participants to become intuitive guides and deepens their connection with the natural environment.
- Wild Wonders of Europe:
- Princess Irene was a patroness of the Year of Biodiversity and spoke at the opening of the Wild Wonders of Europe exhibition in 2010. Her speech emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the need for people to recognize their role as part of the natural world.
- Advocacy and Public Speaking:
- Princess Irene has been a vocal advocate for nature conservation, using her platform to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of all life and the need for sustainability. She has spoken at various events, including TEDxApeldoorn, where she discussed the importance of reconnecting with nature.
- Leadership Programs and Retreats:
- Bergplaas offers a range of leadership programs and retreats focused on reconnecting people with the wild. These programs include the Spirit of the Wild certificate program, which trains participants to become intuitive guides and explore their role in the natural environment.
These contributions demonstrate Princess Irene’s commitment to nature conservation and her efforts to inspire others to join her in this mission.
what is The Naturecollege and how does it promote nature conservation
what specific training programs does The Nature College offer for Field Guides
- Field Guide Training:
- This training is based on publications such as “An Introduction to Nature Guiding,” “Animal Alert!”, “The Nature Guide,” and “The Nature Guide Namibia.” It is complemented by expert lecturers and is designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge for careers in nature conservation.
- Field Ranger Training:
- This program draws on the expertise of various specialists and experience gained in South African national parks and other wildlife organizations since the early 1990s.
- Field Ranger Skills Programs:
- These programs are designed to provide comprehensive training for field guides and game rangers, focusing on practical skills and knowledge for careers in nature conservation.
- 28-day Nature Guiding Course:
- This CATHSSETA-accredited course is the entry-level qualification for nature guiding and covers vehicle-based guiding in dangerous and non-dangerous game areas. It includes a Level 1 First Aid qualification and offers students the opportunity to build on their careers by completing further courses and qualifications.
These training programs are designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in nature conservation and guiding.
 |
| Crown Princess Juliana with her daughter Princess Irene |
During the Second World War, the Dutch Royal Family, with Irene’s maternal grandmother Queen Wilhelmina at the forefront, was compelled to leave their country for the United Kingdom in the face of Nazi occupation. Princess Irene was christened at Buckingham Palace, where one of her godmothers was Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. As the London Blitz began to take place, it was decided that the Dutch royals would be safer in the Americas, and they duly took up residence in Canada. After the end of the war, the Royal Family returned to The Netherlands.
Princess Irene went on to attend the University of Utrecht. Thereafter, she moved to Madrid to study Spanish. The princess became proficient enough in the language to become an interpreter. It was during her studies in Madrid that Irene met her future husband, Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon-Parma. In 1963, Irene left the Dutch Reformed Church and became a Roman Catholic. In February 1964, the engagement between the princess and Carlos Hugo of Bourbon-Parma became known. The match was heavily opposed by the bride’s parents and the Dutch government. Concerned about the situation, Queen Juliana did her utmost to deter the union from taking place; however, the queen’s efforts were not successful. Irene gave up her right of succession to the throne of The Netherlands before her marriage.
 |
| The baptism of Prince Carlos, the first child of Prince Carlos Hugo and Princess Irene |
 |
| Carlos Hugo and Irene of Bourbon-Parma with their four children |
 |
| Princess Irene of Bourbon-Parma |
what are the most impactful conservation projects led by Princess Irene
- Founding The Naturecollege:
- Princess Irene founded The Naturecollege in 2001, a non-profit organization focused on reconnecting people with nature and promoting sustainability. This organization aims to educate people about the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
- Bergplaas Nature Reserve:
- Princess Irene owns Bergplaas, a 5,000-hectare nature reserve in the Karoo region of South Africa. She has worked to restore the land by reintroducing indigenous game and creating a safe space for people to reconnect with nature. The reserve offers programs like Spirit of the Wild, which trains participants to become intuitive guides and deepens their connection with the natural environment.
- Wild Wonders of Europe:
- Princess Irene was a patroness of the Year of Biodiversity and spoke at the opening of the Wild Wonders of Europe exhibition in 2010. Her speech emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the need for people to recognize their role as part of the natural world.
- Advocacy and Public Speaking:
- Princess Irene has been a vocal advocate for nature conservation, using her platform to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of all life and the need for sustainability. She has spoken at various events, including TEDxApeldoorn, where she discussed the importance of reconnecting with nature.
- Leadership Programs and Retreats:
- Bergplaas offers a range of leadership programs and retreats focused on reconnecting people with the wild. These programs include the Spirit of the Wild certificate program, which trains participants to become intuitive guides and explore their role in the natural environment.
These contributions demonstrate Princess Irene’s commitment to nature conservation and her efforts to inspire others to join her in this mission.
As we conclude our exploration of Princess Irene’s remarkable life, we are reminded of her unwavering dedication to nature conservation. Her tireless efforts have made a profound impact on the world, inspiring countless individuals to join her in this noble cause. Through her work, Princess Irene has consistently demonstrated her commitment to preserving the beauty and diversity of nature, a testament to her enduring legacy.
Princess Irene’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for nature conservation. Her dedication to this cause has inspired a new generation of environmentalists, and her work continues to shape the future of conservation efforts worldwide. As we celebrate her 80th birthday, we honor her remarkable achievements and the enduring impact she has had on the world. May her legacy continue to inspire us to protect and preserve the natural world for generations to come.
what are some key milestones in Princess Irene’s career as a nature conservation advocate
- Founding The Naturecollege:
- Princess Irene founded The Naturecollege in 2001, a non-profit organization focused on reconnecting people with nature and promoting sustainability. This organization aims to educate people about the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
- Bergplaas Nature Reserve:
- Princess Irene owns Bergplaas, a 5,000-hectare nature reserve in the Karoo region of South Africa. She has worked to restore the land by reintroducing indigenous game and creating a safe space for people to reconnect with nature. The reserve offers programs like Spirit of the Wild, which trains participants to become intuitive guides and deepens their connection with the natural environment.
- Wild Wonders of Europe:
- Princess Irene was a patroness of the Year of Biodiversity and spoke at the opening of the Wild Wonders of Europe exhibition in 2010. Her speech emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the need for people to recognize their role as part of the natural world.
- TEDxApeldoorn:
- Princess Irene gave a talk at TEDxApeldoorn, discussing the importance of reconnecting with nature and the need for sustainability. She shared her experiences and the work she has done through The Naturecollege and Bergplaas, highlighting the need for people to understand their place within the natural world.
- Leadership Programs and Retreats:
- Bergplaas offers a range of leadership programs and retreats focused on reconnecting people with the wild. These programs include the Spirit of the Wild certificate program, which trains participants to become intuitive guides and explore their role in the natural environment.
These milestones demonstrate Princess Irene’s commitment to nature conservation and her efforts to inspire others to join her in this mission.
