Princess Amalia of the Netherlands has just turned 22 years old, and her schedule is already packed with engagements of the highest institutional importance. The eldest daughter of the Dutch sovereigns, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, has moved through milestones at an unusual pace, with 2025 representing her breakout year. Despite expectations that her father will enjoy a long reign, the Princess of Orange and heir to the Dutch throne has accelerated her official duties in recent months, all while continuing her education.
Princess Amalia began her studies at the Netherlands Defense Academy in September, training as a military reservist enrolled in a two-year program. Her military education is combined with a degree in Dutch Law at the University of Amsterdam, a specialization she began after graduating in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics. She completed part of those studies in Madrid due to a serious threat she received from a criminal organization that put the state under pressure.
Her 2025 began with her first solo debut, where she christened a combat ship alongside the Ministry of Defence. She also surprised many by accompanying her parents to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, an event attended by Europe’s leading royal houses; she was the only heir present. It seems like, at that point, before she had finished her degree, the Royal Institution of the Netherlands began to recalibrate her role. This shift was expected following the decision for her to start receiving the annual allowance of around $1.7 million to which she is entitled as heir to the throne.
A year of royal engagements
The Princess of Orange, whose profile closely resembles that of her grandmother at the same age, noted by her disciplined character and a restriction of her personal freedom, fully accelerated her integration into public life. In the past months, Princess Amalia has attended more engagements of greater institutional and international significance. She has taken part in duties traditionally reserved for the head of state, like welcoming foreign leaders during the NATO summit.
She also traveled with her mother to Washington and New York for the United Nations summit, attended the abdication in Luxembourg, participated in all the state dinners held in the Royal Palace, and was present at highly significant national events, such as the 750th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam.
Unlike her parents, who already have engagements scheduled for January, Princess Amalia’s official agenda was clear over Christmas. However, it makes sense for her to become more involved with her role in the coming year. The institution's strategy has resulted in a double advantage: the Princess has developed a strong public presence that's painted her as accessible and approachable, while also ensuring that her private life is shielded, with people not knowing any details of her interests and hobbies. Beyond her passion for Madrid, where she lived for a time with the support of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, her interests in the history of Europe’s royal jewelers, and her love of horse riding, very little is known about the princess.
Between public duty, education, and a largely unknown personal sphere, the Princess of Orange is steadily charting the path that will one day lead her to becoming Queen.