AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Dutch Prince Johan Friso has effectively renounced his right of succession to the throne, after the government refused to support his forthcoming marriage.
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said he would not seek parliament's permission for the marriage because the couple had given misleading information about the bride's relationship with a dead gangster.
But Prince Johan, second in line to the throne, said his marriage to human-rights activist Mabel Wisse Smit would go ahead regardless, the BBC reported.
Under Dutch law, royals who aspire to the throne must receive permission from the government and parliament to marry, as the cabinet will bear responsibility for their actions.
Wisse Smit admitted earlier this year she had vaguely known Klaas Bruinsma -- whose organization allegedly dealt in drugs and carried out contract killings -- while she was a student.
Last week one of Bruinsma's former bodyguards told Dutch TV the two had had an affair.
The allegations led Wisse Smit to confess to regular contact with Bruinsma while continuing to deny any romantic relationship.
