Dutch Crown Princess Amalia promoted to sergeant in the armed forces

Yesterday 16:37

By: Azzat Manal

Dutch Crown Princess Amalia promoted to sergeant in the armed forces

Princess Catharina-Amalia, heir to the Dutch throne, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant in the Netherlands’ armed forces, according to an announcement from the Royal House. The ceremony took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, aboard the sailing ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl in the port of Den Helder.

The promotion marks another stage in the 22-year-old princess’s military development as she combines her royal responsibilities and academic studies with service in the armed forces. Amalia is currently serving with the Royal Netherlands Navy, where she is gaining practical experience through military training and activities.

Last week, the crown princess sailed aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl alongside first-year students from a maritime training institution. The vessel, a three-masted sailing ship built in Norway in 1914, is regularly used for naval training and provides participants with experience in teamwork, discipline and life at sea.

Amalia completed an advanced course in general field military training in August 2026. Her previous experience has also included internships with the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Netherlands Air Force, giving her exposure to different areas of the country’s defence establishment.

The Royal House announced on September 30, 2025, that the princess had begun her military training. At that time, she entered service as a third-class sailor in the navy and a third-class soldier in the army and air force, while continuing her law studies in Amsterdam.

The Dutch heir’s military path is notable within the royal family. She is reported to be the first woman in the Dutch royal family to serve in the armed forces, reflecting the monarchy’s participation in the country’s military institutions and traditions.

The Netherlands has a long-standing relationship between its monarchy and armed forces, with members of the royal family undertaking military education or service as part of their public duties. For Amalia, the combination of academic study and military training offers experience in leadership, responsibility and the organisational demands of national service.

Her promotion to sergeant represents a further step in that training, although it does not alter her position as heir to the throne. The Royal House has presented her military development as part of her broader preparation for future responsibilities within the Dutch monarchy.