It was on March 10, 1966, that Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands married the German Claus von Amsberg. Their engagement had been announced almost a year prior on June 28, 1965. 

The future Queen of the Netherlands married Claus in both a civil and religious ceremony. Beatrix wore a custom Caroline Bergé-Farwick of Maison Linette duchesse silk satin design that featured a high neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and slim skirt. The designs all came from Beatrix herself who also wanted subtle patterns on the gown, which according to the Order of Splendor, mimicked her tiara - Württemberg Ornate Pearl Tiara. The train, which also included the subtle designs, began at her waist. Additionally, Beatrix wore a pearl and diamond brooch on her left shoulder which was a family heirloom.

The civil ceremony took place at Amsterdam City Hall before the couple traveled to Westerkerk for the religious ceremony. Claus was granted the title of Prince of the Netherlands, as well as the designation Jonkheer van Amsberg. 

The Princess had her younger sister, Princess Christina, as one of her bridesmaids, along with Princess Christina of Sweden, Lady Elisabeth Anson, Joanna Roëll, Eugénie Loudon, and Christina von Amsberg (the sister of the groom). She also had junior bridesmaids with Daphne Stewart-Clark and Carolijn Alting von Geusau serving in the roles. The pageboys were Joachim Jencquel and Markus von Oeynhausen-Sierstorpff.

The wedding was not without controversy, and it surrounded her German diplomat husband-to-be. Claus has been a member of the Hitler Youth (a requirement of German children), and the Dutch still had hard feelings toward the Germans from the Second World War. He had also been drafted into, but was never in combat, the Wehrmacht. As a result, there were protests during the wedding which included a smoke bomb being thrown at the carriage procession.

Beatrix's father helped persuade her mother, Queen Juliana, on the union, and the Dutch Parliament gave their consent. Claus also became a Dutch citizen.

The couple remained happily married until the death of Claus in 2002. They had three sons: King Willem-Alexander, Prince Friso (d. 2013), and Prince Constantijn.