Last year, circumstances forced Amalia, the eldest daughter of the Dutch royal family, to reside in Madrid to continue her studies at the University of Amsterdam. King Willem of Orange expressed his gratitude towards King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia for their hospitality towards Amalia during a gala dinner held in honor of the Spanish royal couple’s State visit to the Netherlands. The king acknowledged the support provided by his Spanish counterparts during a difficult time, when Amalia faced threats from organized crime in 2022. He emphasized the close personal and official relationship between the two royal families and expressed his love for Spain, a country he holds dear alongside his wife, Queen Maxima.
Due to the security threats, Amalia had to leave her in-person classes at the University of Amsterdam where she was studying Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics. This abrupt change restricted her freedom and prevented her from living with friends in a student house in the Dutch capital. King Willem used the gala dinner as an opportunity to publicly thank King Felipe and Queen Letizia for their support during this challenging period. The event was poignant as it marked Amalia’s debut in such a high-profile setting, with her mother Queen Maxima also in attendance, ensuring the princess’s safety remained paramount.
In 2022, both Princess Amalia and Prime Minister Mark Rutte were threatened by the criminal organization known as Mocro Mafia, prompting increased security measures. A year later, during a visit to the Dutch Caribbean territories, Amalia openly discussed her struggles, expressing her longing for a normal student life that had been disrupted by the threat. Despite the difficulties she faced, she was supported by her parents and continued her duties as a royal. The royal family’s visit to the former colonies was significant, highlighting the legacy of slavery in the region.
The disruption caused by the threats of organized crime to Amalia’s personal and intellectual development was met with widespread condemnation from the Dutch people, particularly parents of similar-aged children. Despite the outpouring of solidarity, security remained non-negotiable, leading to the temporary solution of Amalia’s residence in Spain, where she is fluent in Spanish due to her mother’s Argentinean roots. In a podcast series commemorating his tenth anniversary, King Willem acknowledged the hardships his daughter and the family faced, emphasizing the impact of uncertainty and lack of freedom on their upbringing.
Princess Amalia is scheduled to attend a response reception hosted by the Spanish monarchs in honor of the Dutch royals at the Street Art and Mural Museum in Amsterdam. The visit serves as a continuation of the strong bonds between the two royal families and highlights the resilience and adaptability of Princess Amalia in navigating the challenges posed by security threats. Despite the difficulties encountered, the solidarity and support from both the Dutch and Spanish royal families have been crucial in ensuring Amalia’s well-being and safety during a turbulent period in her life.
