A royal milestone has arrived for the Dutch royal family, as King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima’s youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, celebrated her 18th birthday on April 10.
To mark the special occasion, the palace released four striking new portraits of the princess, offering a rare glimpse into her poised and graceful presence.
The portraits, taken by acclaimed photographer Frank Ruiter — the same artist behind her sisters’ milestone birthday portraits — were shot at the family’s official residence, Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.
In the first set of images, Princess Ariane stuns in a romantic red lace midi dress by Self-Portrait, paired with her mother Queen Máxima’s dazzling diamond chandelier earrings.
The portraits were taken against a dramatic dark backdrop, allowing the soft lighting to highlight her features. Her auburn hair was styled in a polished half-updo, and her natural makeup included subtly defined brows, a rosy lip, and a touch of bronzer.
In another look, Ariane opted for a fresh mint green broderie anglaise dress, accessorized with a pair of exquisite diamond and aquamarine earrings that once belonged to her great-grandmother, Queen Juliana.
Currently, the young royal is completing the final stretch of her two-year International Baccalaureate program at UWC Adriatic in Duino, Italy. While her next steps have not yet been officially announced, it’s likely she may follow in her sisters’ academic footsteps.
Her eldest sister, Princess Catharina-Amalia, 21, is pursuing a degree in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics at the University of Amsterdam. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Princess Alexia began studying Civil Engineering at University College London (UCL) last autumn after taking a gap year.
As Princess Ariane comes of age, these portraits not only celebrate her birthday but also mark the beginning of a new chapter in her royal journey.
