The members of the House of Orange-Nassau are transitioning from their summer break back into their official duties. It's just been announced that Princess Alexia, 21, will be making her return to the public eye after being noticeably absent from major royal events for the past months.
© SEM VAN DER WALThe young royal will join her mother, Queen Máxima, for a major engagement in the coming days. Her return places her back in the spotlight after missing some key family moments, including the debut of her younger sister, Princess Ariane, as she wore her first tiara.
An absence comes to an end
The last time the second-in-line to the Dutch throne was seen publicly was in May, during the traditional summer photocall attended by the entire Royal Family. Since then Princess Alexia has been absent, sparking curiosity from onlookers and members of the media.
Over the past few months, she missed out on high-profile occasions like the state banquet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima hosted for the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The night proved to be especially meaningful since Princess Ariane made her tiara debut.
© ShutterstockMeanwhile, the King and Queen and Princesses Amalia and Ariane have carried out their own noteworthy engagements, including an emotional ceremony where Queen Máxima and the heir to the throne participated in one of their most symbolic military duties.
Alexia's notable absence also coincided with her 21st birthday, an occasion the Royal House marked by sharing an archive photo to send their best wishes. But now, her time away from the spotlight is comes to an end. On August 19, she will join King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in one of the world's most exciting sporting events: Formula 1.
The King will have a special role at the end of the race, presenting the winner's trophy, with the event hosted at the Zandvoort circuit.
© Patrick van KatwijkThe princess's life away from the palace
The life of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima's middle daughter is a balance between her discreet daily routine and life away from the palace. The princess is studying Civil Engineering — specializing in the construction and operation of infrastructure — at University College London.
Living in the United Kingdom makes it difficult for her to maintain a constant presence on the Dutch family's official schedule, fully justifying her absence from royal duties due to her academic commitments. The summer break, however, allows her to return to the family fold.
© Patrick van KatwijkThis September will look very different for the members of the Netherlands' new generation of royals. While Princess Alexia must return to the United Kingdom to continue her studies, Princess Amalia will carry on with her military training and studies in Dutch law.
The end of summer will be a little different for the youngest member of the royal family. After making her debut in one of Queen Máxima's stunning jewels, she will embark on one of the world's most demanding degree programs. On King's Day, Princess Ariane spoke to the media about her future, revealing that she will begin studying Aerospace Engineering at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands this September.
Her location will allow her to take part in the royal schedule more regularly, helping to make up for her sister's absence.
© Patrick van Katwijk
