princess amalia He has spoken of being forced to move to Madrid after being threatened by organized crime groups in the Netherlands.
The heir to the Dutch throne said she was “very grateful” to everyone who helped protect her and keep her safe from kidnapping threats from organized crime gangs.
Amalia was forced to abandon her plans to live in student residences for safety reasons, just weeks after starting to study politics, psychology, law and economics at the University of Amsterdam in October 2022.
The 20-year-old said her stay in Spain made her life in the Netherlands “possible” again and thanked everyone who helped make this quick move possible.
Amalia spoke for the first time about her ordeal during her father’s birthday celebrations, where she was accompanied by her parents, Queen Máxima and King William Alexander of the Netherlands, and her sisters, Princess Ariane, 17, and the princess of 18. Alexia.
Princess Amalia said she felt she had more freedom in Spain than in Holland
Princess Amalia looks in high spirits while celebrating King’s Day over the weekend
Princess Amalia, Queen Maxims, King Willem-Alexander, Princess Alexia of the Netherlands and Princess Ariane look happy on King’s Day
He spoke to Dutch outlet NOS and said: ‘I must honestly say that it was a wonderful time, which also made life here possible.
‘I am very grateful and happy to be back. There I was able to find my freedom a little more than here.’
He also spoke to Emmen students about the university and added that it is “difficult to study” and that he has to work hard, but he finds his subjects interesting and is “happy” to have the opportunity.
According imageAmalia was asked how she felt about returning to Holland, but she had to be careful with her answer.
The royal said: “I cannot make any statement on the issue of security.” But Holland is my home, so it’s nice to be here again.”
The eldest of three sisters, Amalia is said to speak Spanish fluently thanks to her mother, Queen Máxima, who is Argentine by birth.
Her father, King Willem-Alexander, also spoke about the return of his eldest daughter.
He said, according to the German tabloid: “Of course it’s terrible when you see that your own daughter, who was so excited to spread her wings after Corona, couldn’t spread them.” Luckily in Madrid she turned out well.”
Princess Amalia was accompanied by her entire family on King’s Day while they chatted with the press
King Willem-Alexander said it was lucky that things went well for him in Madrid, according to Bild
Princess Amalia is accompanied by her two teenage sisters as they pose for photographs.
The heir to the throne shares a fun moment with her father, King Willem-Alexander
The monarch previously thanked King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain for “a moving show of friendship at a difficult time” after they “helped organize” Amalia’s year-long stay in their country.
According to Dutch newspapers news us and ADVERTISEMENT, said: ‘A visit to Spain always feels like a hug. Not only for us, but also for our oldest daughter.
‘Last year circumstances forced her to live in Madrid. From there she was able to continue her studies at the University of Amsterdam. This was made possible by the kind efforts of many of her compatriots and yourself.
‘A moving display of friendship in a difficult time. “I would like to sincerely thank you and everyone who helped organize this.”
In his personal speech, the monarch added that the Dutch royal couple has a “special place in our hearts” for Spain, since it was there where he met his wife Máxima for the first time, 25 years ago.
Authorities did not confirm the details of Amalia’s initial departure from her studies in Amsterdam, but the move came weeks after reports that Amalia and Prime Minister Mark Rutte were mentioned in communications from organized crime groups, raising fears. of kidnappings.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said at the time: “I feel very sorry for her and I’m obviously very worried about it.”
He added that Dutch authorities were doing everything they could to ensure the princess was safe.
Princess Amalia is said to have returned to live in Amsterdam since February and is continuing her studies.
Princess Amalia during her first state visit with her parents, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and King Felipe, Queen Letizia.
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (pictured right) gave a moving speech in honor of King Philip of Spain (pictured left) for “helping organize” his daughter’s stay in Madrid.
Her father, King Willem-Alexander, said on the Through the Eyes of the King podcast that the situation had “had a very hard impact” on his daughter and her family.
Dutch royal family poses with umbrellas while celebrating King’s Day
‘She can’t live in Amsterdam and she can’t really go outside (the palace)… It has huge consequences on her life. For her there is no such thing as a student life like that of others,” said Queen Máxima excitedly.
Amalia herself told reporters during a royal family tour of the Caribbean early last year that she missed “the normal life of a student,” hoping to enjoy the student experience like her peers.
“Unfortunately the reality was different,” he said.
Her father, King Willem-Alexander, said on the Through the Eyes of the King podcast that the situation had “had a very hard impact” on his daughter and her family.
“The uncertainty, the lack of freedom, that’s not how you want to raise your children and what you want to pass on to your children,” he said.
NOS previously said that the threat to Amalia had not completely disappeared, but that she was able to return from Madrid to live and study in the Netherlands again thanks to unspecified “measures.”
It was unclear what circumstances had changed to allow his safe return.
It is said that since February he has been living in Amsterdam again and continuing his studies.