Inside her most surprising military training yet

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Queen Máxima met and trained with a unit from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. In addition to active personnel, the Armed Forces also count on reservists, employees of the Ministry of Defense called upon when additional support is needed. All play a key role in the military’s operational readiness.

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Upon arrival, the Queen was greeted by high-ranking officers who introduced her to the rest of the group. She then toured the facilities and had a lively conversation with the soldiers, where she was briefed on how they prepared before going into action.

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The Queen appeared to enjoy herself throughout her training, exchanging ideas and sharing laughs with the soldiers. She wore an outfit that was a far cry from the clothing that she’s known for. The photos show the shift that European royal families have displayed in recent years, showing a much more approachable side.  

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Historic images: King Willem-Alexander’s wife didn’t just wear a uniform — she also painted her face in camouflage, showing complete commitment and blending in as one of the troops.

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The Queen took a sponge and applied green camouflage makeup from head to toe to stay completely undetected — the perfect disguise!

The Queen also received an overview of the functions and training programs of the Royal Marechaussee and later visited two camps: one dedicated to the Marechaussee Security Officer program and another to the Marechaussee Service Year. Her first lesson was part of the Security Officer Course: “Caution Under Fire,” which teaches students how to perform rescue actions under pressure during simulated fire situations.

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With her characteristic smile, Máxima took an active part in team exercises, standing out in tasks involving teamwork, rescue, and first aid. Happy and excited, she paid close attention to every explanation, not missing a single detail. Throughout the visit, she showed genuine interest in learning about each aspect of the soldiers’ work and the challenges they face, wrapping up the day by posing for a group photo with part of the team.