Summary

TAPE: EF02/0852 IN_TIME: 07:30:00 DURATION: 2:13 SOURCES: NOS RESTRICTIONS: DATELINE: Amsterdam/The Hague, 6 Oct 2002 SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE: (Dutch) Jan-Peter Balkenende, Netherlands Prime Minister: "Today the sad news reached us that Prince Claus has passed away, an announcement that comes as a shock to all of us. Even though we knew for years of this. The prince died in the Amsterdam Medical Center, nearly two weeks after being admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit with a lung infection. It still seemed possible for the prince to privately celebrate his 76th birthday on the sixth of September in private at Huis den Bosch (the royal palace). We wish the Queen and Crown Princes the best in these difficult times they face. That also goes to Prince Claus's two daughters-in-law, Princess Maxima, and Princess Laurentien, whom he as a caring father warmly welcomes, and of course Eloise who gave gave the prince a lot of joy." 2. Cars containing Queen and other members of Dutch royal family leaving the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam 3. SOUNDBITE: (Dutch) Jan-Peter Balkenende, Netherlands Prime Minister: "The Netherlands are with the Prince. The Netherlands loses a remarkable human who had touched the hearts of many. Prince Claus dedicated himself with strength, earnestness and dedication to Dutch society and he did wherever it was possible with a sense of humour. Shying away from excessiveness, he gave a meaningful purpose to his role. He had an aptitude for knowing what was and wasn't allowed as husband of the queen. Queen Beatrix never made it a secret that she relied on his opinion. Family life for both was a source of calm and reflection." Royal Palace, The Hague 4. Cars carrying royal family members arrive at Hague palace 5. Child and mother speak to policeman holding flowers at Palace gate 6. Woman hands small bouquet to policeman 7. Girl lights candle and places it on ground outside palace 8. Mid shot three candles burning on ground Amsterdam 9. Wide of Dam square 10. Dutch flag flying at half mast STORYLINE: The Prime Minister of Holland, Jan-Peter Balkenende, has appeared on Dutch television expressing sympathy at the death of Prince Claus, husband of Queen Beatrix. The Prince, who was 76, died from Parkinson's disease and pneumonia in Amsterdam's Academic Medical Centre hospital, nearly two weeks after being admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit with a lung infection. He had been in and out of intensive care for several months with respiratory and heart problems. The German-born aristocrat, who sacrificed a career in the West German diplomatic service to marry then Princess Beatrix in 1966, gained respect for his fight against prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease, kidney damage and depression. Burdened by the legacy of his wartime service in a German tank division in Italy, Claus von Amsberg took Dutch citizenship. He became a popular partner to Queen Beatrix in the House of Orange as he captured hearts with his verve and charm. Outside the Royal Palace near the Hague, candles burn in memory of the Prince and palace guards have been accepting bunches of flowers from people wishing to show their sympathy with the Queen's bereavement.