Princess Amalia will follow in the footsteps of other European princesses and will begin military training. She is 21 years old and is the eldest daughter of Queen Máxima and Willem-Alexander. The princess will enroll in Defensity College, a program from the Ministry of Defense that trains reservists among university students.
She made the announcement during the traditional summer photo session in the gardens of Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. There, she took the opportunity to share her new educational stage. This program combines higher education with military training.
Defensity College aims to create a lasting bond between defense and future leaders of society. Amalia will be able to study part-time and train in the Navy, Army, Air Force, or Military Police. This way, she will be able to combine military training with her other commitments and studies.
A dedicated student facing new challenges
Amalia has just finished her bachelor's degree in politics, psychology, law, and economics at the University of Amsterdam. She is currently waiting for the grade on her thesis about deepfakes and their regulation in European legislation, a current and relevant topic due to the advancement of artificial intelligence.
She will also begin a degree in Dutch law at the same university. This new academic stage will go hand in hand with her military training. This way, she will combine theoretical studies with practical work and physical training.
Defensity College offers basic training that allows students to wear the uniform. It also provides practical experience in different areas of defense. The idea is for students to be trained to contribute to a safer world.
Military training with flexibility and varied experiences
The program is designed to be compatible with other activities. It can be taken part-time, several days a week. This is ideal for students who want to add military training without neglecting their main studies.
Students can participate in various projects. For example, they can design a communication line between a satellite and a ground station. They can also work on reducing CO₂ emissions on navy ships.
They can also learn military history to better understand the past. Amalia's training will be different from that of Princess Leonor of Spain. Leonor has attended specific academies and has completed internships on ships and frigates.
In Spain, kings are commanders-in-chief of the Armed Forces. In the Netherlands, they do not have that role. For this reason, Amalia's obligations will be different.
Recovery after accident and continuity in her public life
Amalia was able to attend the summer photo session despite a recent injury. In mid-June, she suffered a fall during a horseback riding class. This fall caused a fracture in her arm that required surgery.
She is now fully recovered and keeps her public schedule. Military training is part of her preparation for a future as head of state. In addition, her university education and experiences prepare her to face current challenges.
The combination of studies, public life, and military training shows her willingness to grow as a leader. Amalia is committed to comprehensive training that will allow her to serve her country from various perspectives.
Amalia's sisters also make progress in their studies
Amalia is not the only one in the royal family with clear academic goals. Her middle sister, Alexia, studies civil engineering at University College London (UCL). This prestigious university is recognized worldwide.
The youngest sister, Ariane, has just completed the International Baccalaureate. She attended a United World College in Duino, Italy. This reflects the royal family's commitment to a high-level international education.
The three sisters show a strong commitment to their studies and personal development. The Dutch royal family is committed to preparing their heiresses to take on important roles. The combination of academic training and practical experience is key in this preparation.
A new generation of leaders with multidisciplinary training
Amalia's case exemplifies a trend in European royal houses. Hereditary princesses combine academic training, public life, and military experience. This prepares them to face complex responsibilities in the future.
The integration of military training provides physical discipline and values of service. Defensity College is an example of how young people can connect with defense without abandoning their studies.
Princess Amalia continues to make progress toward becoming a well-prepared future head of state. Her multidisciplinary training reflects the evolution of monarchies in the 21st century, a mix of tradition and modernity for renewed leadership.