Dutch royals gather to commemorate Prince Friso

Dutch Princess Beatrix, Princess Mabel, Countess Zaria and Countess Luana arrive at the Old Church for the memorial of Prince Friso. In the background are Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander.

DPA/AmsterdamDutch prince Johan Friso, who died in August, was commemorated by the royal family and numerous prominent guests yesterday in a private ceremony.Representatives from several royal families went to the ceremony Saturday at the Oude Kerk (Old Church) in Amsterdam. King Willem-Alexander also welcomed former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, retired South African bishop Desmond Tutu, Irish rock musician Bono and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.Johan Friso died on August 12 at the age of 44 after spending almost a year and a half in a coma. He was buried by an avalanche while skiing in Austria in February 2012.Friso had a special relationship with the Old Church. As a student, he lived opposite it. In 2004, he married his wife, Mabel, there.Almost all members of the royal family were present along with Friso’s widow at the non-public commemoration. They included his mother, former queen Beatrix; his daughters Luana and Zaria; and Willem Alexander’s wife, Queen Maxima.