What Queen Maxima’s daughter had to say about her first solo engagement

The 21 year old is first in line to the Dutch throne

Contributor

FEBRUARY 24, 2025 6:50 PM ESTFEB 24, 2025, 6:50 PM EST

Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands carried out her first solo engagement over the weekend. Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander's eldest child christened the Combat Support Ship "Den Helder" on Saturday, Feb, 22.

VLISSINGEN, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 21: Princess Amalia of the Netherlands attends the naming ceremony of the naval ship Den Helder built by Damen Naval Shipyards on February 21, 2025 in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The naming ceremony is the first public solo event for Princess Amalia in The Netherlands. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images)

"I baptize you, Den Helder, and wish you and your crew a safe voyage," the 21 year old said during the christening ceremony (via AD). Following the christening, the Princess was given a tour of the ship, which was designed and built by Damen Naval on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

According to the Dutch Royal House, "The Den Helder will be the new supply ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The ship will supply naval vessels at sea worldwide with fuel, ammunition, water, food and spare parts."

VLISSINGEN, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 21: Princess Amalia of the Netherlands poses on the deck as she names the naval ship Den Helder built by Damen Naval Shipyards on February 21, 2025 in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The naming ceremony is the first public solo event for Princess Amalia in The Netherlands. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images)

AD reported that the Princess of Orange joked (translated to English) that she hoped she would not cause "any damage," and called her first solo engagement "very exciting, but very special."

Princess Catharina-Amalia looked sophisticated for the outing, dressed in a pink pantsuit by Max Mara paired with a beige turtleneck. The royal completed her looked with her mother's camel Max Mara coat draped over her shoulders, per UFO No More, as well as pumps, a headband and a chic ponytail.

VLISSINGEN, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 21: Princess Amalia of the Netherlands attends to name the naval ship Den Helder built by Damen Naval Shipyards on February 21, 2025 in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The naming ceremony is the first public solo event for Princess Amalia in The Netherlands. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images)

The Princess is first in line to the Dutch throne. Amalia is the eldest of Maxima and Willem-Alexander's daughters. The King and Queen are also parents to Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane.

VLISSINGEN, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 21: Princess Amalia of the Netherlands sit at the controls on the bridge as she attends to name the naval ship Den Helder built by Damen Naval Shipyards on February 21, 2025 in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The naming ceremony is the first public solo event for Princess Amalia in The Netherlands. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images)

Like her older sister, Princess Alexia christened a ship for her first solo engagement—and also borrowed an item from her mother's closet for the occasion! Alexia, who graduated from UWC Atlantic in May 2023, marked the royal milestone in September 2023 during her gap year. The King and Queen's second child began her studies at University College London this past September. Her younger sister Princess Ariane also studies outside of the Netherlands. Their Majesties' youngest child is a student at UWC Adriatic in Italy.

Meanwhile, Princess Catharina-Amalia studies at the University of Amsterdam. Last year, it was revealed that Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander's firstborn had secretly lived in Spain to escape threats made against her. On King's Day 2024, the heir to the throne admitted (via AD) that her time in Spain made life in the Netherlands “somewhat possible again” and that she was “happy to be back.”