Queen Máxima Zorreguieta began an intensive military training program to join the Royal Netherlands Army as a reservist.
The official images and videos were released by the Dutch Ministry of Defense and show the monarch participating in physical, tactical exercises and weapons practice.
According to the Defense Ministry, Máxima was designated a reservist by Royal Decree as of February 1, with the initial rank of soldier.
The incorporation occurs in an international scenario crossed by geopolitical tensions and a strengthening of the country’s defense policies.
“The training that His Majesty is receiving includes all the practical and theoretical military components necessary to become a reservist, such as physical resistance, self-defense, marksmanship, map reading and military law,” the ministry said in an official statement.
The authorities explained that the queen’s decision is linked to new global challenges. “Security can no longer be taken for granted,” said area spokespersons, justifying the need to expand and diversify the reservist corps.
In the Netherlands, joining the reservist system is allowed up to the age of 55. Máxima, 54, decided to start the training within the allowed period and under the same conditions as the rest of the applicants, without special privileges.
The images show her climbing walls, practicing diving and handling firearms.
From Defense they highlighted that the program that the queen is taking combines physical instruction, tactical training and theoretical training.
Once the process is completed, it is expected that she will obtain the rank of lieutenant colonel and will be assigned to functions where the Army requires reinforcements, in accordance with operational needs.
Máxima’s move comes just weeks after Crown Princess Amalia completed her own military training.
The eldest daughter of the kings reached the rank of corporal while studying the academic program of the Defensity College, an institution that combines university studies with military instruction.
That experience had a direct impact on recruitment: after Amalia’s graduation, applications to join as a reservist increased significantly, according to data from the Ministry of Defense.
The authorities hope that the queen’s decision will generate a similar effect, especially among women and adults, two segments that the Army seeks to attract to strengthen its ranks.
