Annette Sekrève was born in The Hague, the daughter of Ulrich Sekrève and his wife Jolanda de Haan (the De Haan belong to the Dutch patriciate).

It was at university that she met her future husband, Prince Bernhard.

The marriage was blessed two days later, on 8 July 2000, by Dr. Anne van der Meiden in the Cathedral of Saint Martin, Utrecht.

Since 2002, Princess Annette has worked as a counsellor at the AGO foundation in Amsterdam.

Princess Annette and Prince Bernhard have three children: The family resides in Amsterdam and lead low-profile lives, with attendance only at major royal family events including King's Day.