Princess Amalia of the Netherlands delivered one of her most talked-about appearances of recent weeks during a special day on the equestrian circuit.
On June 19, the Dutch heir joined her grandmother, Princess Beatrix, at the jumping final of the 77th edition of CHIO Rotterdam, held in the picturesque Kralingse Bos.
© ANP/ShutterstockThe outing came after a busy week for Europe’s young royal heirs.
While Princess Elisabeth of Belgium made history with her first solo diplomatic engagement, welcoming Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, Amalia opted for a more relaxed and youthful approach, stepping away from formal protocol and embracing a contemporary style that felt distinctly her own.
© ANP/ShutterstockHer fashion choice quickly drew attention. She wore a navy two-piece ensemble featuring an unexpected cropped top that showcased how the future Queen of the Netherlands is developing a modern wardrobe that feels both elegant and in tune with her generation.
A modern take on royal dressing:
For the equestrian event, Amalia turned to Amsterdam-based womenswear label The Launch, a brand known for its made-to-order production model designed to reduce waste and prevent overproduction.
© ANP/ShutterstockThe princess wore the brand’s navy Cato set, consisting of an asymmetric cropped vest and matching tailored trousers. The top stood out for its boxy silhouette, gold-tone buttons, and subtly cropped hemline, lending a fresh and contemporary edge to the look.
The coordinating trousers balanced sophistication with comfort. Featuring a high waist, straight-leg cut, front pleats, and gold button details, the design blended classic tailoring with youthful elements.
© ANP/ShutterstockThe result was polished yet age-appropriate, proving that Amalia knows how to incorporate modern fashion trends while maintaining the elegance expected of a future monarch.
Her choice of The Launch also carried symbolic significance. Founded in 2022, the Dutch label focuses on limited collections and on-demand production, reflecting a more conscious approach to fashion that resonates with younger generations.
Contemporary fashion meets timeless luxury:
Amalia completed the ensemble with a pair of Triomphe 15 sunglasses by Celine. Crafted from black acetate, the cat-eye frames feature the French fashion house’s signature gold logo at the temples.
© ANP/ShutterstockThe accessory that attracted the most attention, however, was her Cartier Panthère watch, a piece valued at approximately €27,900 ($32,000).
Originally introduced in the 1980s, the iconic design became one of Cartier’s most recognizable creations thanks to its fluid bracelet inspired by the movement of the panther, a longstanding symbol of the maison.
© ANP/ShutterstockCrafted in yellow gold with a silvered dial, the watch provided a striking contrast to Amalia’s contemporary outfit and perfectly illustrated a hallmark of today’s young royals: pairing modern, accessible fashion with timeless luxury investments.
A special day with Princess Beatrix:
The heir shared the occasion with Princess Beatrix, a longtime equestrian enthusiast and one of the most influential figures within the Dutch royal family.
© ANP/ShutterstockThe pair enjoyed the competition from the stands and delighted royal watchers when they were seen taking a selfie together, a candid moment that highlighted the close bond between grandmother and granddaughter.
© ANP/ShutterstockThe event also reflected a longstanding family tradition. A passion for horses has long been part of the Dutch royal family's heritage, and Amalia continues that connection as an accomplished rider herself.
With each public appearance, the future queen reveals another facet of her evolving public image. More confident, increasingly modern, and adept at balancing royal tradition with the trends shaping her generation.
