5 FEBRUARY 2004
Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander has obviously taken to fatherhood with aplomb. Stepping out with wife Maxima and their new daughter Catharina-Amalia, the future king looked relaxed and comfortable with a baby harness slung around his neck, as he and his family took a stroll around their country residence.

The happy couple also made a televised address to the people of the Netherlands, thanking them for the many gifts and messages of congratulations they have received since Catharina-Amalia was born. To show their gratitude for all the support, the royals have released a series of photographs showing them enjoying some quality time with their new arrival.

It is the first time little Catharina has been photographed since her birth on December 7. Her arrival was marked by lavish celebrations all over the country and a 101 canon salute in The Hague.

The infant will one day become Queen of the Netherlands, because boys and girls have equal rights to accession under the country's constitution. And fittingly she already has her own coat of arms, featuring a shield divided into four blue and beige panels.