Princess Mabel celebrated her 45th birthday yesterday. I was going to post a regular birthday post but awoke to the shocking news that her husband, Prince Johan Friso, passed away today after being in a coma for 18 months. While Mabel has handled herself with unwavering grace during the incredibly difficult past year and a half, the gravity of today’s final loss is unimaginable for her and her young daughters. Our deepest condolences are with Princess Mabel, Princess Beatrix and the entire Dutch Royal Family.
Embed from Getty Images
Wedding Day, April 24, 2004
Embed from Getty Images
At Princess Amalia’s Christening, June 24, 2004
Embed from Getty Images
At the christening of Princess Alexia on November 19, 2005
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
Queen’s Day on April 30, 2005; with daughters Luana and Zaria at Princess Ariane’s christening on October 20, 2007
At the wedding of Prince Carlos of Bourbon Parma, November 20, 2010
Photos from Getty as indicated; and Dutch Photo Press
Royal Hats 
May Friso rest in peace. May Princess Beatrix, Princess Mabel and the young countesses find comfort and release.
My heart goes out to Princess Mabel and Queen Beatrix. A woman should never have to bury her husband at such a young age and a mother should never have to bury her son.
This is such a terrible tragedy from all angles. Tragic accident, tragic end of a young family, tragic death. The only thing I wish is that Mabel can now find some peace.
So very sad. May he rest in peace now, and his family can finally have closure to this tragedy.
How sad. They always looked so happy together.
The whole saga has been tragic. At least it’s over and everyone can move on with their lives.
Looking at these photos I’m struck by how great most of Mabel’s hats are. She has such a reputation for horrible fashion but her hats aren’t bad. Some of them are great. Girl can rock a pillbox.
I am so sorry.
thank you
When God closes a door he opens a window. My thoughts and prayers are with Queen Beatrix and this young princess and her girls.
Really a blessing for him. He had no quality of life. I thank you for letting us know so quickly – we don’t get this kind of news over in the states.I will put a prayer card in the basket at church today when I go over there and light a candle. I would assume given the circumstances it will be a private celebration of life and burial when arrangements are made.
What a loss and what a tragedy. May he rest in peace and may she find comfort.