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 who served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 2010 to 2024, making him the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history. He was also the leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) from 2006 to 2023. In October 2024, Rutte assumed the role of the 14th secretary general of NATO. His tenure as prime minister was marked by navigating various coalition governments and overseeing significant economic and social policies within the Netherlands.

Sections (4)

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

October 1909: Birth of Izaäk Rutte

In October 1909, Izaäk Rutte, Mark Rutte's father, was born. He later worked as a merchant.

March 1910: Birth of Petronella Hermanna Dilling

In March 1910, Petronella Hermanna Dilling, the first wife of Izaäk Rutte and sister to Hermina Cornelia Dilling, was born.

November 1923: Birth of Hermina Cornelia Dilling

In November 1923, Hermina Cornelia Dilling, Mark Rutte's mother, was born. She later worked as a secretary.

July 1945: Death of Petronella Hermanna Dilling

In July 1945, Petronella Hermanna Dilling, the first wife of Izaäk Rutte, died while interned in a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.

February 1967: Mark Rutte Born

In February 1967, Mark Rutte was born. He later became the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 2010 to 2024.

1979: Attends Maerlant Lyceum

In 1979, Mark Rutte began attending the Maerlant Lyceum.

1985: Graduates from Maerlant Lyceum

In 1985, Mark Rutte graduated from the Maerlant Lyceum, specializing in the arts.

April 1988: Death of Izaäk Rutte

In April 1988, Izaäk Rutte, Mark Rutte's father, passed away. Rutte later described the deaths of his brother and his father as events that changed the course of his life.

1992: Obtains MA Degree

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

2014: G7 Special Meeting in The Hague

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

May 2020: Death of Hermina Cornelia Dilling

In May 2020, Hermina Cornelia Dilling, Mark Rutte's mother, passed away.

2024: Move 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.