Princess Alexia of the Netherlands, the second daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, became the unexpected center of attention at the Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix not for her style, but for her noticeably slim figure.
Her boho-chic outfit, a fall-ready look from French label Sandro, featured a blazer, top, and shorts paired with tall boots, reflecting her modern, cosmopolitan style. However, beyond having a fashion moment, the young royal drew the most attention because of her striking slim figure.
Her outfit highlighted her slender legs and sharper facial features, suggesting significant weight loss. Her elegant but fragile appearance reignited concern about her health, quickly dominating Dutch media coverage and sparking conversations across social platforms.
Dutch TV host Hélène Hendriks even admitted live on air: “To be honest, I looked at her closely, and it shocked me a little.”
Speculation and Silence from the Palace
Some attributed her appearance to a flattering post-vacation tan after a summer in Greece, where the Dutch royals own a seaside property purchased in 2012. But with no official comment from the palace, speculation has flourished. Some see her slimness as a sign of stress, while others worry about possible eating disorders.
What is certain is that the royal household has remained silent.
Alexia, often noted for being the daughter who most resembles Queen Máxima, not just in looks but also in her love for fashion, has long captivated the public.
This latest appearance at the Zandvoort circuit, while youthful and stylish really fueled widespread concern, especially given her past openness about mental health struggles.
A Princess who is Candid & Honest
In July, the 20-year-old royal gave a revealing interview to a Dutch magazine, showing a thoughtful and mature side. She spoke openly about mental health, admitting she had faced online bullying, and had sought professional help.
Her candid and honest interview was met with empathy, particularly given Queen Máxima’s family history. Her sister Inés died tragically in 2018 after a long battle with depression. Since then, the Dutch royal family has placed a strong emphasis on supporting emotional well-being for their daughters.
A New Chapter in London
Alexia is now carving out her own path in London, where she is studying at University College London (UCL), one of the UK’s most prestigious universities. Prior to enrolling, she finished her studies at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, where she crossed paths with Spain’s Princess Leonor.
She then took a gap year. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school, and the gap year helped me figure out what truly motivates me,” she confessed.
Now living in Bloomsbury, just steps from the British Museum and the UCL campus, Alexia tries to keep a low profile. She studies, explores her neighborhood cafés and bookstores, and enjoys the freedom of a more ordinary student life.
Far from the protocol and constant scrutiny of her teenage years in the Netherlands, what she wants now is simple: to feel free, find balance, and not be defined by the headlines her latest public appearances may generate.