Dutch Royal Family Boosts Team Morale at Winter Olympics
The Dutch royal family presented a united and cheerful front as they visited their nation's athletes competing at the Winter Olympics in northern Italy. King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and their eldest daughter Princess Amalia arrived at the team's accommodation in Milan on Saturday morning, beaming for cameras and offering support to the delegation.
Royal Support for Olympic Contenders
Some 2,900 athletes from over 90 nations are participating in the Games across various venues in northern Italy over sixteen days. The Netherlands delegation comprises 20 men and 19 women competing in bobsleigh, ice dance pairs, skeleton, snowboarding, speed skating, and short track events.
Among the notable competitors is speed skater Jutta Leerdam, a medal favourite in the 1,000m and 500m races scheduled for Milan. A former world sprint champion, Leerdam previously secured a silver medal in the 1,000m at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. However, her journey to these Games has been marked by controversy after she was labelled a 'prima donna' and 'diva' for opting to travel via private jet.
Princess Amalia's Growing Confidence
Princess Amalia, the 22-year-old heir to the Dutch throne, appeared relaxed during the visit, wearing large gold hoop earrings and walking comfortably between her smiling parents. Her presence at the Olympics follows significant personal milestones and challenges.
For years, Amalia was shielded from public view by her concerned family after becoming a victim of cruel body shaming on social media. In 2024, she faced personal safety threats, including kidnap threats from organised Dutch crime gangs, which prompted a temporary move to Madrid, Spain. Now, as a young woman, she appears far more at ease with her evolving royal responsibilities.
Military Training and Royal Duties
Amalia's appearance at the Games comes just weeks after she completed her basic military training and earned the rank of Corporal. Her mother, Queen Maxima, watched proudly during the ceremony at the Ministry of Defence in Ermelo, Netherlands, and was visibly emotional, seemingly holding back tears alongside other military mothers.
The delighted Queen emotionally embraced her daughter, who will now wear military uniform when performing official duties. Amalia, a student at the Dutch defence headquarters, has previously engaged in exercises with the Royal Navy, Air Force, and Army. In 2022, she experienced life in each branch of the Dutch armed forces, including flying an F-16 fighter jet, controlling a submarine, and riding in a Leopard combat tank.
Queen Maxima's New Reservist Role
Amalia is not the only royal with military connections. Queen Maxima is becoming a reservist in the Dutch army, a decision driven by the belief that 'our safety can no longer be taken for granted'. The Royal House shared photographs of Maxima, 54, participating in shooting practice, wall climbing, and pool jumps during a mental skills training course in Breda.
The Argentinian-born royal's move aligns with the Dutch military's efforts to boost enlistment amid geopolitical turmoil and Russia's war in Ukraine. The Dutch Ministry of Defence stated, 'Because the security of the Netherlands can no longer be taken for granted, Maxima has decided to become a reservist.' The Royal House added that the queen, 'like many others, wants to make a contribution to that security'. Upon completing her education, she will be awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Celebrating the Olympic Spirit
The royal family's team-boosting visit occurred just hours after they enthusiastically watched the opening ceremony of the Games on Friday night. Wrapped in orange scarves and puffer jackets, they clapped warmly as the Netherlands delegation took their places during the parade.
Princess Amalia has two younger siblings, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane, completing the royal family unit. Their collective support for the Olympic team underscores a commitment to national pride and athletic excellence, blending traditional royal duties with modern challenges and personal growth.
