Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands was forced to pull out of the Dutch Ballet Gala on Monday evening after falling ill with a cold, the palace announced.
The 88-year-old former queen had been scheduled to attend the 28th edition of the event at the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam, as she does every year. The gala is a benefit performance supporting both young and established dance talent, and this year it was dedicated to choreographer David Dawson.
Palace Statement on Illness
An initial statement from the Dutch Palace confirmed her planned attendance, saying: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands will attend the 28th edition of the Dutch Ballet Gala of the Dansersfonds '79 Foundation at the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam on Monday evening, November 2. The gala is a benefit performance for both young and established dance talent. This year, the ballet gala is dedicated to choreographer David Dawson.”
A later updated statement read: “Princess Beatrix is not attending the gala due to a cold.”
Health and Royal Legacy
Princess Beatrix abdicated the throne in 2013, making way for her son, King Willem-Alexander, who became the first male monarch of the Netherlands in over a hundred years. At age 46, he was also Europe’s youngest monarch at the time of his succession.
Her health has generally been good, though in 2023 she underwent surgery for a fractured wrist sustained in a skiing accident. An update at the time said the former queen was “otherwise in good health and will recover at home.” Despite stepping down, she has continued to take part in royal engagements.
Succession and Security Concerns
Princess Catharina-Amalia is the next heir to the Dutch throne. She began her first public engagements outside the Netherlands in 2022, when she attended Princess Ingrid of Norway's birthday.
She later began her university studies in Amsterdam but faced serious security threats amid fears she could become the target of kidnapping or attack by organised crime groups. The situation forced her to leave Amsterdam and return to Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, where she lived under heightened security with her family. At the time, Amalia openly admitted how difficult the experience had been, sharing that she missed the freedom and normality of student life.
