During her summer vacation, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was spotted in Greece with her daughters Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane in a visit that drew a lot of attention. On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, the Queen and her two youngest daughters made a touching pilgrimage to the church of Agios Nikolaos on the Greek island of Spetses, as revealed by Father Grigorios Nanakoudis, head of the island’s Orthodox cathedral, through his Instagram account. “Official solemn visit and pilgrimage of Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands Máxima and her daughters, the princesses, to the Holy Metropolitan Church of Agios Nikolaos Spetson,” wrote the priest.
This visit is part of the traditional summer retreat that King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima take each year at their villa in Kranidi, an exclusive property on the Aegean coast that they bought in 2012 for nearly five million euros. The residence, which has a private port, three separate houses, and privileged views, has become their usual getaway, though it has not been without some controversy.
© grigoriosnanakoudisAll three wore sophisticated summer outfits perfectly suited for the occasion. Queen Máxima chose a fresh and refined look: a sleeveless white blouse paired with a long skirt with black and gold horizontal stripes, a chic bohemian-style design. She completed it with gold bracelets, a striking long fish-shaped necklace, and a light shawl that added a touch of elegance. Princess Alexia opted for a long white dress with delicate embroidery, layered with a fitted shirt in the same tone, cinched at the waist with a belt. Like her mother, she added a golden touch with bold earrings and a close-fitting necklace. The youngest of the family went for a more relaxed style: a white blouse with subtle ruffles on the shoulders, paired with wide pants in reddish tones that gave her a youthful and summery vibe.
The family’s retreat in Kranidi
This event is part of the traditional summer retreat that King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands take each year at their villa in Kranidi, an exclusive property on the Aegean coast that they purchased in 2012 for nearly five million euros. The residence, which features a private harbor, three separate houses, and privileged views, has become their usual hideaway, though it has not been free from some controversy.
© GTRES
© GTRESSpetses, a royal destination
Queen Máxima’s presence in Spetses is no coincidence. This island, known for its tranquility and elegance, is one of the favorite destinations of European royalty. It was in the church of Agios Nikolaos, the island’s most iconic temple, where Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Tatiana Blatnik said “I do” in 2010. Many royals attended the wedding, among them King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, who at the time were the Princes of Asturias.
© Getty ImagesThe island of Spetses is one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan spots in the Saronic Gulf, a very peaceful place with almost no cars and an exquisite mix of gastronomy and culture for visitors. It is also one of the favorite destinations of the Greek Royal Family, who often spend their summer holidays there. In fact, last summer, Pavlos of Greece and Marie-Chantal Miller celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on the island while attending a wedding as guests.
© Getty ImagesPraise and criticism
While the local community warmly welcomed Queen Máxima and her daughters' visit, it also sparked criticism back in the Netherlands. According to Story magazine, the royal couple has been questioned for spending eight weeks outside the country, especially at a time when other European royal families are choosing domestic destinations for their holidays. Although King Willem-Alexander has remained available for official duties, as shown by his presence in The Hague on Friday, August 15, for the commemoration of Japan’s 1945 surrender, the Dutch press has criticized his prolonged absence.
© koninklijkhuisA summer of transition for the Princesses
Meanwhile, Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander’s daughters are also experiencing a summer of transition. Princess Amalia, who was absent from the visit to Spetses, has just graduated from the University of Amsterdam and recently enjoyed a holiday in Greece with her friends. This coming academic year she will begin studying Dutch law and has been accepted into the Defensity College program, where she will train as a military reservist for two years.
© koninklijkhuisPrincess Alexia, for her part, has enjoyed a gap year and will begin studying Social Change Science and Engineering at University College London. Ariane, the youngest, has just turned 18 and completed the International Baccalaureate in Italy. Although she has not yet revealed her academic plans, she may follow in her sisters’ footsteps and take a year off.
© GTRESA discreet summer
Without a doubt, the visit to the cathedral in Spetses has been one of the few public appearances Queen Máxima has made this summer, a season marked by discretion and her wish for privacy. The image shared by Father Grigorios shows the Queen and her daughters in a reverent attitude, in a setting filled with symbolism and spirituality.
