In 1966, Queen Beatrix, who was Crown Princess Beatrix at the time, married Claus von Amsberg, who thus became Prince Claus. Their wedding caused a scandal as Claus, who came from an aristocratic German family, had been a member of the Hitler Youth in his younger years, as noted by his obituary in The Guardian. While the future prince served with the German army during World War II, he never saw combat and was later deemed not to have Nazi ties after being cleared by a denazification court. By the time he met the Dutch royal, he had a law degree and was employed by the West German diplomatic corps.

Although his name had been legally cleared, many were upset by the princess' choice in a partner. During the couple's wedding procession, Beatrix and Claus were confronted by protesters carrying smoke bombs, but the young royal was determined to go through with the wedding, Vogue reported.

Despite the initial controversy the couple's union caused, Claus eventually won over the populace by proving his dedication to the Netherlands and its people.