Man arrested in Netherlands over alleged plot to attack royal princesses

Dutch authorities have taken a 33-year-old man into custody on suspicion of planning an attack against two members of the royal family, prosecutors said. The case is due to be heard in a preliminary court session on May 4.

According to the Public Prosecution Service (OM), the suspect was arrested in early February in The Hague. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying two axes. Investigators reported that one of the weapons had the name “Alexia” carved into it, along with the words “Mossad” and “Sieg Heil,” a Nazi-era slogan from World War II, Caliber.Az reports per Dutch media. 

Authorities also found a handwritten note in the man’s possession containing the names “Amalia” and “Alexia,” as well as the word “bloodbath.” Prosecutors say these elements suggest a possible plan to target Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange (22) and her sister, Princess Princess Alexia of the Netherlands (20), the eldest daughters of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.

Officials have not yet disclosed a possible motive. More details are expected to emerge during the court hearing, scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. local time.

The incident highlights ongoing security concerns surrounding the Dutch royal family. Crown Princess Amalia has been under heightened protection for several years following earlier threats. In 2022, she was forced to abandon plans to live in student housing in Amsterdam and instead went into hiding.

It was later revealed that she spent a year living and studying in Madrid, where security conditions allowed her greater freedom of movement. She has since returned to the Netherlands under reinforced protection measures.

By Sabina Mammadli