Princess Amalia’s military training and studies compared to other European heirs

At 22, Princess Amalia has taken a decisive step toward her future role as Queen by officially joining the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The Princess, heir to the Dutch throne, is the first woman in the Dutch royal family to train as a military reservist, combining her duties in the armed forces with her second bachelor’s degree in Dutch Law at the University of Amsterdam. 

This milestone reflects both her personal commitment and the tradition of the Dutch monarchy’s close relationship with the armed forces.

Military service in the House of Orange:

Princess Amalia’s path to this milestone began with General Military Training (AMO), which she completed in January 2026, earning the rank of Corporal. The graduation ceremony was a deeply emotional occasion, with Queen Máxima holding back tears as she embraced her daughter.

Her decision continues a longstanding family tradition of military service. King Willem-Alexander served in all three branches of the Dutch military. the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Earlier this year, Queen Máxima also joined as a reservist with the goal of achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

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Princess Amalia’s enrollment has already sparked greater interest in the Defensity College, with applications reportedly doubling since she joined.

Following her AMO graduation, Princess Amalia enrolled at the Defensity College on April 7 as a military work-study student. 

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The program allows her to gain practical experience through exercises, events, and training courses designed to strengthen the connection between the armed forces and Dutch society.

Balancing military duties with academic pursuits:

Alongside her military training, Princess Amalia pursues an interdisciplinary academic path aimed at preparing her for her future responsibilities as head of state. After completing a degree in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics (PPLE) in July 2025, she began studying Dutch Law at the University of Amsterdam. 

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She follows the same admission process and coursework as any other student and is preparing for her future seat in the Council of State, where she participates without voting rights.

Her weekly schedule balances one or two days of military duties with university study. Beyond physical training, she completes modules in military ethics, cybersecurity, and policy drafting, performing all responsibilities voluntarily without financial compensation.

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How Princess Amalia compares to other European heirs:

Princess Amalia’s path mirrors a broader trend among young European heirs who combine rigorous military training with higher education. 

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Princess Leonor of Spain is completing her third year at the General Air Academy in San Javier after prior service in the Army and Navy.

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Princess Elisabeth of Belgium holds the rank of Sub-Lieutenant across all branches while pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard after graduating from Oxford. 

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Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway completed 15 months in an engineering battalion before beginning a degree in International Relations and Political Economy in Sydney. 

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Princess Isabella of Denmark, second in line to the throne, is scheduled to begin her military service in August 2026.

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For Princess Amalia, these experiences are far more than ceremonial. By merging military discipline with academic rigor, she is actively preparing for her unique role as Queen, following in the footsteps of her European peers who balance education and military service while stepping into positions of national leadership.