security threats

Princess Amalia plot: New court details reveal chilling evidence in latest hearing

What was once one of Europe’s most accessible royal families now operates under some of its tightest security.

MAY 6, 2026 1:31 PM EDTMAY 6, 2026, 1:31 PM EDT

A chilling courtroom reveal in early May has cast a stark light on the ongoing security reality surrounding the Dutch royal family. What began as a February arrest in The Hague has now unfolded into a deeply unsettling case involving Princess Catharina-Amalia, 22, and her younger sister Princess Alexia, 20.

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Authorities say the suspect, 33-year-old Anne Romke van der H., is now being held in a psychiatric facility after appearing in court on May 4, 2026. Prosecutors described him as a “vulnerable person,” but the evidence presented painted a far darker picture.

Princess Amalia, Queen Maxima, King Willem-Alexander, Princess Ariane, and Princess Alexia are concerned over their missing homekeeper — Inside the courtroom, more details emerged about the suspect’s state of mind. He is believed to have been suffering from severe delusions, including a conviction that he was in a romantic relationship with Princess Amalia.

Among the items seized at the time of his arrest were two axes engraved with the names “Alexia” and “Mossad,” alongside the slogan “Sieg Heil.” Investigators also uncovered a handwritten note referencing both princesses and the Dutch word bloedbad (bloodbath).

Witnesses recalled a disturbing moment shortly before his arrest, when the man allegedly shouted, “I'm going to kill them all!” from a hotel balcony.

Inside the courtroom, more details emerged about the suspect’s state of mind. He is believed to have been suffering from severe delusions, including a conviction that he was in a romantic relationship with Princess Amalia.

Dressed in a flowing navy ensemble, Amalia opted for a deep V-neck blouse paired with wide-leg trousers. — That balance between visibility and vigilance has become the defining feature of Princess Amalia’s life in recent years.

His lawyer argued that he thought he was participating in a “survival training mission” in Poland with the royal, claiming she had personally instructed him to purchase the weapons. Prior warnings had reportedly surfaced as well, including an incident in which he told a clinic he “wasn't afraid of stabbing people,” and sightings of him lingering near palace grounds.

The presiding judge ultimately ruled that he remain in custody, citing a “serious risk of repetition.” Despite the severity of the case, the Dutch Royal House has remained largely silent, adhering to its standard protocol of not commenting on active security threats.

Instead, the family delivered its response through action. Just days after details of the arrest began to circulate, they carried on with King’s Day celebrations on April 27, appearing in Dokkum and engaging with the public under heavy, though discreet, protection.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Princess Catharina-Amalia continue to draw attention for their shared use of historic royal jewels, particularly two significant tiaras that have become symbolic of continuity between mother and daughter. — A chilling courtroom reveal in early May has cast a stark light on the ongoing security reality surrounding the Dutch royal family.

That balance between visibility and vigilance has become the defining feature of Princess Amalia’s life in recent years. Long before this latest incident, the heir to the throne had already been living under intense security measures.

She resides primarily at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, a residence whose defenses have been significantly reinforced. Her movements are tightly controlled, and she is accompanied at all times by the Royal and Diplomatic Security Service. Even routine activities, including university lectures, require full security coordination.

Although she has attempted to resume a more typical student life in Amsterdam following a year abroad, her freedom remains sharply limited. Most outings are restricted to essential academic or official commitments.

The unique style of Princesses Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane: The young fashion icons of European royalty — What began as a February arrest in The Hague has now unfolded into a deeply unsettling case involving Princess Catharina-Amalia, 22, and her younger sister Princess Alexia, 20.

That period abroad began in 2023 when she quietly relocated to Madrid. The move was designed to give her a degree of normalcy while Dutch authorities addressed escalating threats at home.

Fluent in Spanish and closely connected to Spain through her mother, Queen Máxima, Amalia lived in a private apartment near Retiro Park while continuing her University of Amsterdam studies remotely. Her presence there was only publicly confirmed in April 2024.

The relocation followed a wave of alarming intelligence in late 2021 and 2022, when authorities intercepted communications linked to organized crime networks known as the Mocro Maffia.

Amalia typically opts for glowing skin, soft neutral tones, and minimal eye makeup. Her hair is most often worn long and loose, styled in natural waves. — Amalia resides primarily at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, a residence whose defenses have been significantly reinforced.

Messages referenced both the princess and then-Prime Minister Mark Rutte, raising fears of kidnapping or assassination. The same networks had already been tied to the murders of lawyer Derk Wiersum and journalist Peter R. de Vries.

By September 2022, just weeks into her university experience, Amalia was forced to leave her student housing and return to the palace.

Queen Máxima later spoke candidly about the toll, saying, "She hasn't left the house... It has enormous consequences for her life. It means she doesn't live in Amsterdam and she can't really go outside".

Princesses Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane, daughters of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, have become unexpected fashion icons — Princesses Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane, daughters of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.

Amalia herself echoed that sentiment after returning to the Netherlands in 2024, admitting, "I missed the normal life, the life of a student. Walking the streets, going to a store".

Even so, the royal family has made a conscious effort to project stability. Public appearances have continued, albeit under intensified security. At major events, including King’s Day and recent national commemorations, protection teams operate both visibly and undercover, with a significantly expanded presence.

In fact, Amalia’s public role has only grown. She has taken on more official duties, earned the military rank of Corporal, and continues to balance her law studies with an increasing schedule of engagements. Upcoming appearances include the opening of the Dutch pavilion at the Venice Biennale, a major working visit to the United States, and hosting a state visit from Germany in June.

Behind the scenes, the Royal and Diplomatic Security Service remains central to these operations, coordinating both domestic and international protection efforts. Whether accompanying the princess to lectures or liaising with foreign agencies during overseas visits, the unit plays a critical role in maintaining a secure perimeter.

The latest plot, while foiled, underscores a reality that has reshaped the Dutch monarchy. What was once one of Europe’s most accessible royal families now operates under some of its tightest security.