2023-06-26 12:17:00
The second daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands blows out, on June 26, 2023, her 18 candles. A majority synonymous with new distinctions for Princess Alexia, and a future to be traced which already promises to be radiant.
“When I think of those little girls in their blue dresses, ten years ago, when my husband was enthroned king…”, begins Queen Maxima, before pausing and continuing: “they have become very great ladies”, reports the Dutch magazine specializing in crowned heads, Monarchs. While journalists questioned her regarding her children on the last day of her official visit to Belgium with her husband King Willem-Alexander, the sovereign recognized, not without a hint of emotion, that time had flown by at breakneck speed. His youngest daughter, Princess Alexia, has just reached her majority on June 26, 2023.
One of the official portraits of Princess Alexia of the Netherlands for her 18th birthday. © Frank Rider
A joyful event on the occasion of which the Dutch court unveiled three new official portraits. Adorned with three rows of necklaces, Alexia fixes the lens without an ounce of shyness. The chiaroscuro technique, which had already been used for the official portraits of the 18-year-old of her eldest sister, Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia, enhances her copper hair which falls freely on her shoulders. The young princess seems fearless of anything, not even of the choices she is regarding to make for her future.
A memorable day for Alexia
For now, it’s party time! Queen Maxima has revealed that “all (her) children” will be home to celebrate their sister’s birthday. “It won’t be a big party since the date – Monday – is not very convenient, but we will organize something over the weekend.” Alexia’s mother has clarified that Princess Beatrix should also join them, as will her daughter’s godparents. Will Queen Mathilde of Belgium take part in the festivities? The opportunity would be perfect to see her goddaughter once more and enjoy her longtime friends, Willem-Alexander and Maxima, in complete privacy.
Against a dark background, the young princess stands out in a white dress and beams. © Frank Rider
This beautiful day will also include a more solemn component. Alexia will be presented with prestigious honours, starting with the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Dutch Lion, created in 1815. A tradition that has been carried on in the Dutch royal family since her great-great-grandmother , Queen Wilhelmina, was the first woman to be included in 1898. From then on, on their 18th birthday, all the sovereign’s children receive this honor, as the Dutch-speaking Belgian daily recalls The Latest News.
The princess will also join the Order of the Golden Lion of the House of Nassau. A chivalrous attribute to say the least singular since it is common to the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. At present, it is even the highest honorary distinction that Grand Duke Henri can offer. The order was created jointly in 1858 by King William III of the Netherlands and Grand Duke Adolf of Luxembourg to commemorate the division of the House of Nassau but even more, to celebrate the friendship that unites the two branches. .
In addition, the 18-year-old princess will now be able to use her own standard. Well almost… Alexia will have to share it with her older sister and her youngest, Princess Ariane, when she, in turn, has reached her majority. The orange flag in the shape of a swallow’s tail and divided into four quarters by a blue cross, at the heart of which are drawn the coats of arms of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, is indeed the same for the three princesses.
University or gap year?
On May 20, 2023, Princess Alexia left the benches of the “school of kings”, the renowned UWC Atlantic College, international baccalaureate in hand. Just like his father, forty years earlier. But if her college and high school years are behind her, it remains to be seen what her next step will be. The girl has been spotted several times in student circles at the University of Groningen, located in the north of the Netherlands, reports HLN. However, will she choose to postpone her higher education to take advantage of a sabbatical year, like her older sister two years ago? Alexia still has all the summer holidays to decide.
Anyway, the young girl will not benefit from any state allowance, this one being reserved for her parents, her grandmother Princess Beatrix and her older sister since her majority. Catharina-Amalia, however, had chosen to give it up while her studies lasted. A decision that was welcomed by the Dutch government and the population. And if time flies, as Queen Maxima pointed out, the one affectionately nicknamed the “rebellious princess” appears more mature in these photos. But it is above all his confidence mixed with a certain serenity that challenges, as his new adult life is just beginning.
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