Princess Catharina-Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne, recently celebrated a significant milestone in her military career, and now her mother, Queen Máxima, is embracing a similar path. On February 4, the Dutch royal family announced that Queen Máxima has officially joined the Royal Army of the Netherlands as a part-time reservist.
In a statement shared via Instagram, the palace noted, “Queen Máxima has started training to become a reservist for the Royal Army today.” The queen’s decision to enlist reflects a desire to contribute to the safety and security of the Netherlands, highlighting a trend among various European nations to bolster their military capabilities amid evolving global dynamics.
Queen Máxima, who is 54 years old, articulated that “our security can no longer be taken for granted.” This perspective aligns with broader concerns regarding military resilience in preparation for a potential decrease in traditional support from the United States. The queen’s commitment comes at a time when strengthening military defenses is a priority for many European countries.
With her enlistment, Queen Máxima will hold the rank of soldier and, upon completing her training, will be promoted to lieutenant colonel. The Royal House indicated that the age limit for enlisting, set at 55, was a factor in her decision to join at this time. While it is not unusual for royals worldwide to undergo military training, Queen Máxima’s enlistment as a reigning queen is particularly notable, especially considering her Argentine origins.
As a reservist, Queen Máxima will serve wherever needed, participating in rigorous training exercises that include tactical maneuvers and physical challenges. Her resolve to serve reflects a modern understanding of royal duties and responsibilities.
This development follows closely on the heels of another significant occasion when Princess Catharina-Amalia, the couple’s eldest daughter, completed her military training and was promoted to corporal in January. The proud queen actively participated in this milestone, capturing the moment with her phone and sharing a heartfelt embrace with her daughter after the ceremony.
Through these actions, both Queen Máxima and Princess Catharina-Amalia exemplify a royal commitment to service and duty, reinforcing the importance of security in the contemporary world.