Princess of Netherlands joins Dutch air force as corporal

Princess Amalia of the Netherlands has officially joined the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force with the rank of corporal, and will balance her military duties with her ongoing studies, the Ministry of Defence announced.

“Princess Amalia has entered service today in the Royal Netherlands Air Force as a corporal,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Amalia, the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, is the heir to the Dutch throne. Her decision to serve follows the long-standing tradition of the Dutch royal family, whose members frequently undertake military service.

The princess completed her basic military training in January and opted to enlist after the Ministry of Defence unveiled a program last fall aimed at expanding the armed forces to 100,000 personnel by 2030.

Her mother, 54-year-old Queen Máxima, also joined the military in early February as a reservist. Her training includes practical exercises and physical fitness courses, reflecting the royal family’s commitment to active service.

By Vafa Guliyeva