She is the worthy heir to the throne of the Netherlands, and yet her face is still little known to the general public. And for good reason ? Last year, the 20-year-old princess had to go into exile in Madrid to escape threats to her security. Because for several years, and despite reinforced protocol, a threat of kidnapping and attack had hovered over her.
But this ordeal finally seems to be behind her. Thus, this Wednesday, April 17, Catharina-Amalia was able to participate in her very first state banquet given at the royal palace in Amsterdam in honor of Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain. The King of the Netherlands took the opportunity to thank the royal couple for protecting his daughter during her exile.
On this occasion, the Dutch princess pulled out all the stops, almost overshadowing her parents, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The sovereign referred to his daughter’s forced exile in Spain during his speech: “A visit to Spain always feels like a warm abrazo. Not only for us, but also for our eldest daughter, the Princess of Orange. Last year, circumstances forced her to live in Madrid for a while. From there, she was able to continue her studies.“
Catharina-Amelia shines with her tiara
As for the tiara and necklace, Catharina-Amelia opted for a sublime peacock set, adorned with rubies and diamonds. A symbolic choice, since these jewels were created at the beginning of the 20th century for Queen Wilhelmina (who reigned from 1890 to 1948). In June 2023, the young woman had already worn this tiara, during the marriage of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan to Princess Rajwa Al Saif.
Finally a return to normal life?
At this state dinner, Catharina-Amalia was able to show her country that she was a free woman today. A year ago, the young woman spoke about her heavy daily life, living in hiding to try to escape the worst. The author of these threats? There “Mocro-Maffia“, in other words the drug mafia in the Netherlands.
On February 9, 2023, during a press conference which concluded her tour of the six islands of the Netherlands Antilles, she declared in all sincerity: “I’ll be very honest, I’m still having a hard time with it. I miss normal life, student life. Walking in the streets, being able to go to a store.” Let’s hope that this heavy life is now behind her.
