# Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld

> husband of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands (1911-2004); prince consort of the Netherlands (1911-2004)

**Wikidata**: [Q57304](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57304)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Bernhard_of_Lippe-Biesterfeld)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/prince-bernhard-of-lippe-biesterfeld

## Summary
Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld was a German-born prince consort of the Netherlands, best known as the husband of Queen Juliana. He played a significant role in Dutch public life, supporting the monarchy and engaging in philanthropic and conservation efforts, notably founding the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in the Netherlands.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 29, 1911, in Bielefeld, German Empire
- **Nationality**: German (by birth), Dutch (by marriage)
- **Education**: Studied law, economics, and political science at the University of Lausanne and Frederick William University Berlin
- **Known for**: Prince consort of the Netherlands, philanthropy, and conservation
- **Employer(s)**: Royal Dutch Family, Dutch Government (military and diplomatic roles)
- **Field(s)**: Royalty, diplomacy, conservation

## Contributions
- **Founded the Dutch branch of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)** in 1961, contributing to global conservation efforts.
- **Supported the Dutch resistance** during World War II, maintaining ties with Allied forces and aiding the liberation of the Netherlands.
- **Established the Prince Bernhard Nature Fund** to support conservation projects worldwide.
- **Received numerous honors**, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour and the Bronze Star Medal, recognizing his military and diplomatic contributions.

## FAQs
**What was Prince Bernhard's role in the Netherlands?**  
Prince Bernhard served as prince consort to Queen Juliana from 1937 until her abdication in 1980, supporting her reign and engaging in public duties.

**What were his notable military and diplomatic roles?**  
During World War II, he acted as a liaison between the Dutch government-in-exile and Allied forces. Post-war, he held honorary military ranks and participated in diplomatic missions.

**What controversies surrounded Prince Bernhard?**  
He faced scrutiny for his membership in the Nazi Party and SS before World War II, though he later claimed ignorance of the party's true nature. Additionally, he was involved in political scandals, including the Lockheed bribery affair in the 1970s.

**What legacy does he leave in conservation?**  
As a founding member of the WWF in the Netherlands, Prince Bernhard helped establish conservation as a global priority, supporting initiatives to protect endangered species and habitats.

## Why They Matter
Prince Bernhard's life and work bridged German and Dutch cultures, leaving a lasting impact on European royalty and international conservation. His efforts in founding the WWF and supporting resistance during World War II underscore his commitment to both national and global causes. His controversies, however, reflect the complexities of his role in 20th-century European history.

## Notable For
- **Founding the Dutch WWF**: A pivotal contribution to global conservation.
- **World War II Resistance Support**: Aided Allied efforts and maintained Dutch morale.
- **Philanthropic Work**: Established funds and organizations for cultural and environmental preservation.
- **Honorary Military Roles**: Held ranks in the Dutch and Allied forces, reflecting his diplomatic standing.
- **Decorations and Awards**: Received over 20 international honors, including the Nansen Refugee Award and the Order of the Redeemer.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Born on June 29, 1911, in Bielefeld, German Empire, Prince Bernhard was a member of the Lippe-Biesterfeld family. He studied law, economics, and political science at the University of Lausanne and Frederick William University Berlin, though he did not complete a degree.

### Marriage and Royal Role
In 1937, Bernhard married Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, becoming prince consort upon her accession in 1948. He supported her reign, engaging in public duties and diplomatic missions, including representing the Netherlands at international events.

### World War II Involvement
During the war, Bernhard acted as a liaison between the Dutch government-in-exile and Allied forces. He maintained contact with the Dutch resistance and participated in planning the liberation of the Netherlands. His efforts earned him the Bronze Star Medal from the U.S. and other military honors.

### Post-War Activities
After the war, Bernhard focused on philanthropy and conservation. He founded the Dutch WWF in 1961 and established the Prince Bernhard Nature Fund. He also supported cultural initiatives, such as the Erasmus Prize, awarded annually for contributions to humanities and arts.

### Controversies
Bernhard's pre-war membership in the Nazi Party and SS sparked controversy, though he claimed he joined under pressure and was not an active participant. Later, he was implicated in the 1970s Lockheed bribery scandal, leading to his resignation from public duties.

### Later Life and Death
Prince Bernhard died on December 1, 2004, at the age of 93. His legacy is marked by his conservation efforts and support for the Dutch monarchy, balanced against the controversies of his early political affiliations and later scandals.

### Affiliations and Honors
Bernhard was affiliated with organizations such as the WWF and the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation. He received numerous awards, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Nansen Refugee Award, and the Order of the Elephant, reflecting his international recognition.

### Cultural Impact
The Prince Bernhard's titi monkey, a species named in his honor, symbolizes his contributions to conservation. His support for the arts and humanities, through initiatives like the Erasmus Prize, further cemented his cultural legacy in the Netherlands.

## References

1. Source
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. Virtual International Authority File
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5. The Peerage
6. [Prinses Irene in haar wiegje.. Beeldbank WO2](http://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/detail/9736dc92-025a-11e7-904b-d89d6717b464/media/a215438d-c7d3-2fe2-6299-1b8571b88ac7)
7. RKDartists
8. The orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. Prins Bernhard. RKDartists
11. Bernhard Leopold Frederik Everhard Julius Coert Karel Godfried Pieter van Lippe-Biesterfeld. Biografisch Portaal
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19. [Source](http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/currentaffairs/region/netherlands/dut041112b)
20. Integrated Authority File
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24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. BBC Things
26. [Source](https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/1995/12/06/prins-niets-te-melden-over-band-met-nazi-organisaties-7290953-a639280)
27. [Vertrek koninklijk gezin uit Den Haag naar Engeland. Na enkele dagen in de schuilkelder van Paleis Noordeinde te hebben doorgebracht vertrok het Prinselijk gezin op twaalf mei onder begeleiding van Prins Bernhard in een geblindeerde auto van De Nederlandse Bank naar IJmuiden waar men zich inscheepte voor vertrek naar Engeland.. Beeldbank WO2](http://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/detail/1a39cb5a-025a-11e7-904b-d89d6717b464/media/8bd4364c-e7ad-2038-6c55-de7c048d245e)
28. [Dagorder. Aan de Binnenlandsche Strijdkrachten. Nu eindelijk het uur der bevrijding is aangebroken is de taak die u oorspronkelijk was toebedeeld ten einde. (...). Nu onze vijand en onderdrukker verdreven en verslagen wordt, roep ik u op voor een nieuwe t. Beeldbank WO2](http://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/detail/5baff9ba-025a-11e7-904b-d89d6717b464/media/cd54baa0-0739-5af1-ae6b-d921d87bf91c)
29. [Beatrix één jaar. 1939](https://www.koninklijkeverzamelingen.nl/collectie-online/detail/afbf9346-00d1-5f55-9839-aebc4991f7a5)
30. [Beatrix en Irene in de sneeuw in Ottawa. 1943](https://www.koninklijkeverzamelingen.nl/collectie-online/detail/6a786ac8-094f-5bd5-9316-62668dbbc467)
31. [Shawl, ontworpen door prins Bernhard tijdens zijn verblijf in Engeland.](https://collectie.verzetsmuseum.org/ais6/Details/collect/2862)
32. [Source](https://www.postzegelontwerpen.nl/postzegels/ontwerpen/lippe-biesterfeld-bernhard-van)
33. Sejm-Wielki.pl
34. CollectieGelderland