The funeral of Prince Claus von Amsberg, the German-born husband of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has taken place in the presence of kings and queens from the royal houses of Europe.

Last farewell: A tearful Queen Beatrix

Thousands of people lined the nine-kilometre route of a funeral procession, which started at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, where the prince's body lay in state for four days.

A horse-drawn hearse carred the coffin past an honour guard to the Niewe Kerk in the medieval city of Delft, where Dutch royals have been buried for more than 400 years.

The prince became one of the most popular members of the Dutch royal family, admired for charm and his long fight against disease and depression.

His popularity helped to overcome some of the post-World War II resentment felt by the Dutch toward his native Germany.

Dynasty

Prince Claus' remains joined those of 43 other members of the House of Orange in the vault of the Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church, in Delft.

Thousands of mourners lined up the streets of The Hague

The dynasty was founded by William the Silent, who was assassinated in 1584.

Prince Claus's tomb is next to that of Queen Wilhelmina, Beatrix's grandmother who ruled the Netherlands for 50 years until she abdicated in 1948.

It was the first funeral in the Dutch royal family since Wilhelmina died 40 years ago, and only the fifth in the last 112 years.

The prince died aged 76 from Parkinson's disease and pneumonia.

He sacrificed a promising career in the German diplomatic service to marry Queen Beatrix in 1966.