Amalia's 18th birthday 07-12-2021

[Principessa]

https://nos.nl/artikel/24...le-gezondheid-en-toekomst


The article also includes an online / video conversation between Claudia de Breij and Amalia

Loosely translated as:


Almost 18-year-old Amalia in book candidly about mental health and future

Crown Princess Amalia visited a child psychologist as a young girl and nowadays regularly discusses her mental health with a professional. That is what she says in the book that will be published today in the context of her 18th birthday, next month.

"I don't think it's taboo. And it's no problem to say that in public," she says in the book, which was written by comedian Claudia de Breij. "Sometimes it all gets too much for me, school, friends, and then I talk to someone. If I feel the need, I make an appointment. Just vent, and then I'll be ready for another month."

For the Crown Princess, mental health is just as important as physical health. "I think talking to a professional every now and then is quite normal, especially after what happened to my aunt," she says, referring to her mother Máxima's younger sister, Inés, who committed suicide in 2018.

De Breij visited the palace six times
It also emerges from the book that in 2013, at the inauguration of her father, Amalia realized what awaited her later. In the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, when she was 9 years old, she realized that this was also about her and her future. Five years later, at the age of 14, she had reconciled with it. That comment sparked laughter from her father, who said she was a lot ahead of him with that.

An image emerges from the book of a girl who, for the time being, does not see her future as a great burden, but rather as an honour. An added benefit: she loves tiaras.

Earlier this year, De Breij was asked to write the book. She spent several days with the princess. She visited Huis ten Bosch Palace six times, and frequently texted and emailed Amalia.

The Crown Princess also took her to the royal stables where her horse (Mojito) is and to a beach club owned by a friend's parents. De Breij portrays her as concentrated, serious and fanatical, but also as a girl who questions what she has accomplished in her life so far. In addition, she is a perfectionist, a trait that she may have inherited from her grandmother Beatrix, suggests De Breij. The same grandmother she calls Amma by the way.

Many conversations that De Breij has recorded are about family. About her parents, who sent her to a child therapist at a young age because they were worried about her. But it is also about quarreling with her sisters and about the impact of the death of two close relatives: Aunt Inés and her uncle, Prince Friso, who died after a serious skiing accident in Lech. He was buried under an avalanche while going off-piste with a friend.

The accident is only mentioned in passing when it comes to Amalia's hobbies. When the two talk about skiing, the princess says she prefers to go off-piste. "Because of that nice fresh powder snow". Anyone interested in the royal family immediately makes the link with the death of Friso, including De Breij. "Had special training, didn't you," continues the princess. "And I have all the means for avalanche danger with me, such a beeper, such a special backpack. And we always go, always with a guide."

The two also talk about religion, social media, her school days and what she is going to study. Amalia is not yet sure about the latter. Her interests lie in history, economics and law, but she doesn't know exactly what it will be yet. Nor whether she will traditionally study in Leiden. If she does, it's "because I really want to and not because of tradition".


'Really beautiful singing'
De Breij also records light-hearted conversations. For example, the artist writes about the princess's talents. For example, she can make an excellent cocktail and - in De Breij's words - "sing really beautifully". In a room of Huis ten Bosch palace where there is only a grand piano, Amalia sings Memory by Barbra Streisand. As far as Amalia is concerned, such performances remain private. It offers her comfort, she can express her emotions with it, an important reason to keep it to herself.

Above all, the book paints a picture of an 18-year-old who wants to appear normal. Who is not exalted above the people because of her title, but wants to stand in society. It can be read in the passages about Amalia's love for shaking cocktails in the beach bar ("She really is our cocktail queen, you know!") and the music choice of the princess in the car (Atje Voor De Atmosphere and Anton aus Tirol). Perhaps it is necessary, at a time when the usefulness of a monarchy is often discussed publicly.

De Breij also saw a crown princess who sometimes struggles with her public role, especially when it comes to social media. For example, when journalists try to access her private accounts. "That sometimes goes wrong and she thinks that is very bad," De Breij told NOS .

Many passages show that Amalia is preoccupied with her future role. That she thinks about what awaits her later, how she will shape her period as queen and how she can be of service to the Netherlands. "If I can prevent a bad situation through diplomacy. If I have made the world a little bit better, then I am happy. I am in the service of my country. I give my life to the Netherlands," she says.

And about signing laws, she says, for example, "I couldn't sign something that would take away the freedom of expression." That would go against her conscience and against the oath she is about to take ('so help me God Almighty').

She hopes not to pronounce that oath for the time being. In principle, this is possible from the age of 18, but if something happens to her father now, she wants her mother to take over for a few years. And what if the monarchy disappears before then? "They can do their best, you know, then I will continue with my life."

[Principessa]

A video from the Dutch site Nu.nl of Amalia about the book:


Princess Amalia thinks it is 'extremely crazy' to see her own book

Princess Amalia thinks it's "very crazy" to see her own book. She said this in a video conversation with Claudia de Breij, who wrote the book about Amalia.

https://www.nu.nl/290093/...m-eigen-boek-te-zien.html

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/konings...ter-maak-ben-ik-blij.html

Loosely translated as:


Amalia: 'If I make the world a little bit better, I'm happy'

Princess Amalia accepts her future role as queen, but does not yet know where her focus will be. The eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima tells this to author Claudia de Breij in the book Amalia, which will be published on Tuesday.

De Breij wrote the portrait of Amalia, who will be celebrating her eighteenth birthday on December 7. In the book, the princess gives an insight into her doings. She not only talks about her future position, but also about her hobbies, income, study and faith.

"If I can prevent a bad situation through diplomacy, if I have made the world a little bit better, then I am happy. I am in the service of my country. I give my life to the Netherlands," says Amalia.

The princess says she is not yet ready to take over the baton from her father. In the unlikely event that something happened to him, she would ask her mother to take over for a few years. "But I said to my father: you just keep eating healthy and exercising a lot."

Amalia says she has to cross a wall before she can embrace the kingship. When De Breij says that saddling a child with an upcoming kingship is a reason for many people to abolish the monarchy, the princess reacts soberly. "They can do that, you know, then I will continue to live. But the monarchy is so much bigger than myself."


Princess sometimes goes to a therapist

The book does not shy away from the difficult aspects of the life of an heir to the throne. The princess tells how she feels when people stare at her. "It's like having a goldfish on your head," said Amalia.

The princess sees the hateful comments appearing online about her. "Then you have two choices: you can go all the way, or don't let it hit you and protect yourself against it."

Without De Breij asking about it, Amalia says that she sometimes sees a therapist. "I don't think it's taboo. And no problem saying that in public. Sometimes it all gets too much for me, school, friends, and then I talk to someone."

Amalia: 'I can't choose at the expense of myself'

A relationship is "private", says the princess, who also gives her opinion about the constitutionally required permission for a marriage.

"If it's the man who supports me, who I love, who I want to spend my life with and the parliament doesn't approve, well, then we'll just have to see what I do. I can't choose at the expense of myself Then I can't give the best for our country."

Claudia de Breij made the literary portrait of Amalia at the request of the royal couple and the Government Information Service (RVD). She calls her work "an attempt to introduce everyone who wants to, to the young woman who will one day become queen of the Netherlands".



In the book, the princess shares never-before-seen photos that she has chosen herself. She is eight years old in this photo. Photo: RVD



July 2006, during a private family vacation. The princess is not yet three years old when this photo is taken. Photo: RVD



Princess Amalia with the beloved pony Fredje. Alexia and Ariane's sister has always had a love for horses. Photo: RVD



The family during a vacation around 2011. The photo also shows her two younger sisters. Photo: RVD



The princess also shares more recent photos, like this one, with her father. The photo was taken during a visit to Japan in 2019. Photo: RVD



The Crown Princess on horse Mojito. Photo: RVD

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/konings...g-raad-van-state-bij.html

Loosely translated as:

Princess Amalia attends the first Council of State meeting day after her birthday

Princess Amalia will attend her first Council of State meeting in Kneuterdijk Palace on 8 December, a day after her eighteenth birthday. She is accompanied by her father, King Willem-Alexander.

Her mother, Queen Máxima, will also be present at the meeting.

From the moment that Amalia is eighteen years old, she has a seat in the Council of State according to the Constitution. The Council is an independent advisor to the government and parliament on legislation and governance, and is the highest general administrative court in the Netherlands.

These tasks are performed by two departments, the Advisory Department and the Administrative Jurisdiction Department. Amalia will join the former. For example, she must gain knowledge about legislation and constitutional law, and she can prepare for her role as queen.

Willem-Alexander is chairman of the Council of State. Like her daughter, Máxima is part of the consultancy department. They have no substantive involvement and no voting rights in the Council.

On the occasion of Amalia's first meeting, the princess herself, Willem-Alexander and vice-chairman Thom de Graaf will give a short speech. Amalia will also plant a royal tilia tree in the French garden of Kneuterdijk Palace afterwards.


Kneuterdijk Palace:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneuterdijk_Palace

"...Kneuterdijk Palace (Dutch: Paleis Kneuterdijk) is a former royal palace of the Netherlands located in The Hague, nowadays the seat of the Council of State....."


....Behind the former palace is a garden that is open to the public all year round. This is a small remnant of the royal garden. This originally ran as far as the Mauritskade. After the death of King Willem II, this piece was sold to pay off part of his debts. The garden is decorated in French style and there are twelve statues, eleven by the sculptor Eric Claus and one by sculptor Wessel Couzijn. The French garden is open from sunrise to sunset.....

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/media/6...itgezonden-door-npo1.html


Loosely translated as:

Amalia's first performance in Council of State broadcast live by NPO1

Amalia's accession to the Council of State (Raad van State; RvS) is broadcast live by the public broadcaster. The princess has a seat in the Council of State from 7 December, her eighteenth birthday, and is officially appointed as a member a day later.

The broadcast on December 8 is presented by Astrid Kersseboom and can be seen on NPO1 from 13:40 to 14:45. This includes the speech that Amalia and her father Willem-Alexander give. Beforehand, a look back at the entrances of her father and grandmother, among others, is shown.

From the moment that Amalia is eighteen years old, she has a seat in the Council of State according to the constitution. The RvS is the highest general administrative judge in the Netherlands and an independent advisor to the government and parliament in the field of legislation and governance.

These tasks are performed by two departments: the Advisory Department and the Administrative Jurisdiction Department. Amalia will join the former. For example, the princess must acquire knowledge about legislation and constitutional law, and she can prepare herself for her role as queen as the first in the line of succession to the throne.

Willem-Alexander is chairman of the Council of State. Like her daughter, Máxima is part of the Advisory Department. They have no substantive involvement and no voting rights in the RvS.

[Princess MS]

She is going to have a hard life .... takes after her father and his family ....

[periwinkle]

Cute girl. Sounds normal but with a good understanding of her role. I will look forward to seeing more of her.

[TheMorWearsPrada]

I know her image is still being carefully managed and we only see/hear what they want us to, but she seems to be a nice and emotionally intelligent young woman. If she had any part in the decision to decline her allowance when she turns 18, I have hope for her.

Wax and Max definitely have their flaws, but I do think from what we have seen, they are very loving parents and are doing a decent job with their children, which is more than a lot of young royals have.

[Princess MS]

I know her image is still being carefully managed and we only see/hear what they want us to, but she seems to be a nice and emotionally intelligent young woman. If she had any part in the decision to decline her allowance when she turns 18, I have hope for her.

Wax and Max definitely have their flaws, but I do think from what we have seen, they are very loving parents and are doing a decent job with their children, which is more than a lot of young royals have.

Well there is something about this family which doesn’t work for me .... they have billions from spurious activities but take money from taxpayers every year.... sleezy

[Alice Unchained]

I know her image is still being carefully managed and we only see/hear what they want us to, but she seems to be a nice and emotionally intelligent young woman. If she had any part in the decision to decline her allowance when she turns 18, I have hope for her.

Wax and Max definitely have their flaws, but I do think from what we have seen, they are very loving parents and are doing a decent job with their children, which is more than a lot of young royals have.

Well there is something about this family which doesn’t work for me .... they have billions from spurious activities but take money from taxpayers every year.... sleezy

I owe you a

[TheMorWearsPrada]

I know her image is still being carefully managed and we only see/hear what they want us to, but she seems to be a nice and emotionally intelligent young woman. If she had any part in the decision to decline her allowance when she turns 18, I have hope for her.

Wax and Max definitely have their flaws, but I do think from what we have seen, they are very loving parents and are doing a decent job with their children, which is more than a lot of young royals have.

Well there is something about this family which doesn’t work for me .... they have billions from spurious activities but take money from taxpayers every year.... sleezy

I don't disagree, but in the case of minor children who have 0 control over how their parents' money is acquired and spent (and even after turning 18, Amalia still won't have much to do with that), I'm glad they seem to have given a loving home life. Every child deserves that regardless of financial or social status. I just hope she is better at "reading the room" than her parents and is smart enough to know that going to Greece on a luxury holiday while your country is locked down in a pandemic is not a good look for example.

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/achterk...chttiende-verjaardag.html

Loosely translated as:

Princess Amalia will not receive a loose coin for her eighteenth birthday

Princess Amalia will not receive a single coin for her eighteenth birthday. The Royal Dutch Mint confirms that it will remain with the duo set that already appeared in September of the princess and her mother Queen Máxima, who turned fifty this year.

That set contains two coins: one from Queen Máxima, who had her birthday on May 17, and one from her daughter Princess Amalia, who has her birthday on December 7.

A total of three thousand sets of all eight Dutch euro coins were made, according to the Royal Dutch Mint.

The obverse shows the double portrait of Queen Máxima and Princess Amalia. The back shows a number of stars with the texts "Queen Máxima 50 years" and "Princess Amalia 18 years".

The set costs 29.95 euros and is still for sale on the website of the Royal Dutch Mint.

[Principessa]

[getafix]

Princi, why is Amalia featured on the coins with her mother, and not with her father? or with both at all?

thx.

G

[Principessa]

Princi, why is Amalia featured on the coins with her mother, and not with her father? or with both at all?

thx.

G

The coins are in honour of Maxima and Amalia, as they became/become 50 years old and 18 years old respectively this year.
These are so called 'Kroonjaren' ( = crownyears).

So-called crown years (multiples of five) are often celebrated more extensively or are the reason for a party. The legal adult age (eighteen) and reaching retirement age are also often celebrated in a special way.

A number of crown years are named after Biblical persons. If the birthday boy or girl is a woman, the biblical person's wife is often referred to instead:

50 years: Abraham (or Sarah)
60 years: Isaac (or Rebekah)
70 years: Jacob (or Rachel)
80 years: Joseph (or Asnath)
90 years: Ephraim
100 years: Metusalem


For as long as I remember, a 50th birthday is celebrated very specifically by the Dutch people. The birthday boy or girl gets an Abraham or Sarah doll (depending on the gender).

BTW Maxima also got one from some Dutch youngsters: