Princess Catharina-Amalia has traded palace surroundings for naval waters as she begins the latest chapter of her military training.
The 22-year-old future queen has started working as a military student with the Royal Netherlands Navy. The placement forms part of the Defensity College program, which allows university students to gain practical experience across different branches of the Dutch Armed Forces.
Photos released by the Dutch royal household showed Princess Amalia dressed in a blue camouflage uniform and beret as she met with Royal Netherlands Navy personnel. During her first day, the Princess of Orange boarded a FRISC, a fast military vessel used by the Navy for various amphibious operations.
Other images captured the royal listening attentively during meetings with senior personnel and speaking with fellow service members. Her uniform displayed her surname, Van Oranje, as well as her rank insignia.
© Photo courtesy of the Dutch Ministry of DefenceThe Navy placement represents the latest stage of Amalia’s military education. She was previously attached to the Defence Staff before beginning an assignment with the Royal Netherlands Air Force in April 2026. She completed that placement in July.
Amalia also completed her General Military Training earlier this year after its physical component was initially postponed while she recovered from a broken arm. Upon finishing the training, she was promoted to corporal and became eligible to wear a military uniform while carrying out her Defence duties.
© Photo courtesy of the Dutch Ministry of DefenceThe Princess performs her military work without pay, while her time participating in the program is regarded as private.
Following in her father’s footsteps:
Amalia’s naval experience continues the Dutch royal family’s longstanding relationship with the country’s Armed Forces. Her father, King Willem-Alexander, completed his compulsory military service with the Royal Netherlands Navy before later serving with the Army and Air Force.
© Photo courtesy of the Dutch Ministry of DefenceThe future queen is currently first in line to the Dutch throne. Alongside the two-year Defensity College program, she is studying Dutch law at the University of Amsterdam after completing her bachelor’s degree in Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics.
Her latest assignment will allow her to gain further firsthand experience of military life and learn about the different responsibilities carried out by the Royal Netherlands Navy.
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