Princess Catharina-Amalia calls Madrid a 'second home' as she returns for a special reason

Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands showed off her Spanish in Spain. Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands' 21-year-old daughter made an appearance in Madrid on April 7, where she unveiled a plaque at the tulip garden she gifted the city and its inhabitants. Per the Dutch Royal House, the garden is a thank you from the Princess of Orange to everyone who made her stay in Madrid possible "during a period under special circumstances."

The heir to the Dutch throne was welcomed by the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, on Monday afternoon. Speaking in Spanish, Princess Catharina-Amalia, whose mother is from Argentina, said, "Madrid is like a second home to me, especially in a time that was difficult in the Netherlands. In this very Dutch way I want to thank everyone who took care of my safety and well-being in Madrid."

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The first tulip bulbs on the Plaza de Oriente were planted back in November, and are now in bloom for the first time. The plaque unveiled by the Dutch royal on April 7 read: "Muchas gracias por mi tiempo en Madrid. ¡Disfruten de los tulipanes!," which translates to "Thank you so much for my time in Madrid. Enjoy the tulips!"

It was revealed last April that Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander's firstborn had secretly lived in Spain for over a year to escape threats made against her. Sources told De Telegraaf in 2024 that the Princess studied at the University of Amsterdam from Madrid and attended Spanish colleges during her time there. The month after the Princess' first day of school at the University of Amsterdam in 2022, it was reported that the Princess was living back at home due to threats. De Telegraaf reported in September 2022 that security measures had been “stepped up considerably as an attempted kidnapping or an attack is taken into account.” 

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During King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain's state visit to the Netherlands last spring, King Willem-Alexander spoke about his eldest child living in Spain. “Last year, circumstances required her to live in Madrid for a while. From there, she was able to continue her studies at the University of Amsterdam," the Dutch King said.

“This was made possible by the kind efforts of many of your compatriots and yourselves,” Willem-Alexander added. “A touching demonstration of friendship at a difficult time. I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to you and everyone else who helped arrange this.”

On King's Day 2024, Princess Catharina-Amalia admitted (via AD) that she was "able to find a bit more freedom" in Spain "than was possible" in the Netherlands. She also said that her time in Spain made life in the Netherlands “somewhat possible again” and that she was “happy to be back.”