The first Dutch royal wedding for more than twenty years has taken place between the Queen's nephew and the daughter of a European Union comissioner, Hans Van Den Broek.

Prince Maurits and Marilene Van Den Broek were married in a civil ceremony at the royal palace.

The ceremony will be followed by a church blessing on Saturday.

The new princess is a Roman Catholic and Prince Maurits -- who is fifth in line to the throne of the Protestant House of Orange -- had to seek prior formal permission from parliament.