Amalia of the Netherlands kicked off an official visit to “her city,” Amsterdam. The capital is a place that was meant to host one of the most exciting chapters of her life: university. Her life took an unexpected turn when the mafia began issuing threats, forcing her to seek refuge in Madrid, a city that has served as her second home.
In high spirits, the heir to the throne, as the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, stepped out in a burgundy pantsuit and vest, her hair loose and paired with gold earrings, as she walked through the city’s vibrant streets. She appeared happy to be able to do so freely again.
The Princess of Orange is visiting at the invitation of Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, who welcomed her upon arrival following a prior meeting with residents at the mayor’s official residence.
While The Hague serves as the country’s political center and the royal family’s official residence, Amsterdam remains the cosmopolitan hub, drawing millions each year for its culture, canals, architecture, and nightlife. The visit marks an important step in Amalia’s preparation for her future role as queen, echoing similar engagements carried out by her father in 1988 and her grandmother, Princess Beatrix, years earlier.
Her first stroll through the city set the tone for the two-day trip. Amalia and the mayor began with a casual brunch of sandwiches and mini burgers before diving into a packed schedule.
© ANP/AFP via Getty ImagesThat afternoon, the Princess visited the Science Park, where she toured Lab42, an international hub for digital innovation and AI talent. She participted in an artificial intelligence workshop and joined a roundtable discussion on current and future technological challenges. The visit continued at AMOLF laboratories, where she learned about solar cell research and developing sustainable energy.
In Amsterdam-Zuidoost, Amalia visited a foundation that supports young people through sports and social programs aimed at building leadership skills. Participants shared their personal experiences, and she watched a 3×3 basketball demonstration before attending a game.
Later, she traveled to Amsterdam Nieuw-West, where the focus shifted to housing, urban development, and community engagement. At a local center, she was briefed on collaboration between residents, city officials, and stakeholders. She toured the neighborhood and visited properties set for demolition as well as a new development scheduled for completion later this year.
The evening’s highlight saw the Princess visiting an organization that helps vulnerable women reintegrate into society.
A princess out on the town
© Patrick van KatwijkAmalia also made the time to embrace Amsterdam’s nightlife, visiting bars and clubs in the city center. Along the way, she learned about music as an export industry, the evolution of nightlife, and efforts to attract new visitors. She also watched performances by DJs who had recently completed their training.
Her visit continues this Friday with a lunch in the Zuidas district alongside young professionals, including lawyers, bankers, and consultants, who will discuss workplace pressures and the impact of global events on their industries.
In the afternoon, she will explore venues participating in the Warmoes Biennale, including shops, bars, and churches showcasing new art. Her itinerary includes stops along Zeedijk, with visits to a café, a radio studio, and an Asian supermarket. She will later head to Amsterdam-Noord to learn about youth opportunities before joining the Amsterdam police on patrol. The trip will conclude with an official lunch.
A student life cut short
In September 2022, Amalia moved into shared housing at the University of Amsterdam, hoping to kick off her professional development while studying Politics, Psychology, and Law. Two months later, reports revealed that she and the Dutch prime minister had been targeted by threats linked to the Moroccan Mafia, prompting heightened security measures.
She returned to the royal residence, Huis ten Bosch Palace, before her eventual relocation to Madrid, where she continued her studies and was supported by her parents’ close friends, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
As a tribute to her time in Spain, Amalia donated a tulip garden to the city of Madrid, located in Plaza de Oriente.
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