Early Life and Education of Mark Rutte: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Mark Rutte. A timeline of key moments.

Mark Rutte is a Dutch politician, currently serving as the 14th secretary general of NATO since October 2024. He was the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 2010 to 2024 and leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) from 2006 to 2023. Rutte holds the distinction of being the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history, with nearly 14 years in office.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

July 1945: Death of Petronella Hermanna Dilling

Petronella Hermanna Dilling, Mark Rutte's father's first wife, died in July 1945 while interned in a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.

1974: Robert Caro published The Power Broker

In 1974, American historian Robert Caro published his biography of Robert Moses, The Power Broker, which Rutte admires.

1979: Rutte attends Maerlant Lyceum

In 1979, Mark Rutte began attending the Maerlant Lyceum.

1985: Rutte specializes in the arts

In 1985, Mark Rutte specialized in the arts at the Maerlant Lyceum.

April 1988: Death of Izaäk Rutte

Izaäk Rutte, Mark Rutte's father, died in April 1988.

1992: Rutte obtains MA degree

In 1992, Mark Rutte obtained an MA degree in history from Leiden University.

2014: The Hague hosts G7 meeting after MH17 crash

In 2014, The Hague hosted a Group of Seven special meeting after the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down in Ukraine, which had 193 Dutch nationals aboard.

March 2018: Dutch Intelligence and Security Services Act referendum

In March 2018, the Dutch Intelligence and Security Services Act referendum was held, which resulted in a rejection.

May 2020: Death of Hermina Cornelia Dilling

Hermina Cornelia Dilling, Mark Rutte's mother, died in May 2020.

2024: Rutte moved to Brussels

Before moving to Brussels in 2024 following his appointment as Secretary General of NATO, Rutte lived in an apartment in Benoordenhout, a neighbourhood of The Hague, for several decades.