Prince Johan said the marriage would go ahead as planned
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 - who is second in line to the throne - said his marriage to human rights activist Mabel Wisse Smit would go ahead regardless.
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.
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