Catharina

Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands continues her military training, joining the ranks of the air force and following in the footsteps of King Willem-Alexander, an experienced pilot.

While there is no official training for the role of queen, military service remains an essential step. With the crown come the responsibilities of leading the armed forces. Some, like Spain’s Leonor, receive special training to learn about each branch of the military, while others, like Norway’s Ingrid Alexandra, undergo thorough military service.

In the Netherlands, Catharina-Amalia has chosen the Defensity College program for her military service, which she is balancing with her law studies. This training will eventually qualify her to become a reservist in the Dutch army. In late January, the princess completed the initial part of her training with her mother, Queen Maxima, in attendance. At just 22 years old, she received her beret and was “baptized” in beer by the soldiers.

On April 8th, a new phase of Catharina-Amalia’s training began. After completing her general training, the princess decided to join the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The announcement was made on the Palace’s Instagram account: “The Princess of Orange has started her military training in the Koninklijke Luchtmacht as part of the Defensity College program. Previously, the princess was attached to the Defense Council as a student and apprentice.”

The first photos show the princess’s induction into the air force, receiving the insignia of her new branch of service under the soldier name “van Oranje.” Wearing her beret with pilot wings attached, Catharina-Amalia appears in camouflage, ready to explore the skies.

Although the princess had never revealed her interest in aviation, a passion for aeronautics runs in her blood. Her own father, King Willem-Alexander, is an experienced pilot who often flies the royal plane during official trips abroad. Perhaps Catharina-Amalia will follow in his footsteps in the years to come.