Royal Achievement: Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands completes her studies at the University of Amsterdam
Princess Catharina-Amalia, the future Queen of the Netherlands, has embarked on an ambitious academic and military journey, following her graduation from the University of Amsterdam with a degree in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics (PPLE).
The princess, who is well-known for her passion for horse riding, had to withdraw from her accommodation at the University of Amsterdam earlier due to kidnap threats. She lived under heightened protection at her parents' home in The Hague for some time. Last month, she was rushed to the hospital due to a riding accident that resulted in a fractured upper arm, temporarily affecting her ability to participate fully in the physical components of her upcoming military training.
Despite these challenges, Princess Catharina-Amalia is determined to continue her pursuit of knowledge. She plans to begin a new bachelor's degree in Dutch Law at the same university starting in the fall of 2025. Alongside this academic pursuit, she will also participate in the Defensity College training program for two academic years, a working student program of the Dutch Defense Forces designed to train students to become military reservists.
The Defensity College program aims to provide students with a meaningful side job during their studies and strengthen the connection between the armed forces and society. However, her recent injury may temporarily affect her ability to participate fully in the physical components of the military training until she recovers.
Before her return to Amsterdam, Princess Catharina-Amalia sought greater freedom by moving to Madrid to live and study for over a year. She made a touching gift of tulips to Madrid to thank the city for its hospitality. Her middle sister, Princess Alexia, was a student at a different branch of the United World College, UWC Atlantic, while their younger sister, Princess Ariane, transferred to the United World College Adriatic in 2023.
The learning experience at the United World College Adriatic goes beyond the classroom, empowering students to cultivate their unique talents and interests. Princess Ariane received her International Baccalaureate diploma from the same institution.
Queen Máxima expressed her sadness about her daughter's situation, stating, "No student life for her, like other students have. I'm very proud of her and how she keeps it all going." Princess Catharina-Amalia's thesis, titled "Beyond Disclosure: Bridging the Gap Between the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Charter of Fundamental Rights with Deepfaked Bodies," examines the tension between European fundamental rights and AI legislation.
This academic and military journey suggests that after her multidisciplinary undergraduate degree, Princess Catharina-Amalia is preparing for a combined academic and military training path, likely positioning her well for her future role as monarch with an informed understanding of law and senior defense knowledge, thus integrating professional development with her royal duties.
- Princess Catharina-Amalia, known for her passion for horse riding and academics, has decided to pursue a new bachelor's degree in Dutch Law at the University of Amsterdam, starting in the fall of 2025.
- The princess will also participate in the Defensity College training program, a working student program of the Dutch Defense Forces, to become a military reservist, demonstrating her interest in the lifestyle and culture of the armed forces.
- Queen Máxima, in a statement, expressed her pride in her daughter's determination, acknowledging the challenges she faces in balancing education-and-self-development, royal duties, and military training.
- Princess Catharina-Amalia's academic journey reflects a blend of education, culture, news, and politics, as she delves into the tension between European fundamental rights and AI legislation in her thesis.
