[1] Hans Gruijters studied psychology and political and social sciences at the University of Amsterdam.

From 1960 to 1967 he ran the foreign affairs section of the Dutch daily newspaper Algemeen Handelsblad.

As a politician Gruijters was an active member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).

After a conflict which had been provoked by his decision not to attend the wedding ceremony of Princess Beatrix and Claus von Amsberg he left the VVD.

He thought that the marriage would not contribute to the social role that the royal house should play in society.