Princess Catharina-Amalia, the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, achieved a significant milestone on Monday by undertaking her first solo engagement abroad.
The 21-year-old heir to the Dutch throne traveled to Madrid, Spain, where she paid a visit to the stunning tulip garden at Plaza de Oriente.
For this spring outing, the princess looked radiant in a deep red patterned midi dress adorned with a cream bohemian print, featuring mid-length sleeves, an elegant V-neckline, and an A-line silhouette.
She accessorized her look with a collection of shimmering bangles and chose a pair of soft leather boots in a chic Merlot shade. Her hair and makeup were kept natural, showcasing lovely waves and a luminous complexion.
During her visit, Catharina-Amalia expressed her gratitude to the people and government of Madrid by presenting the floral garden. The royal had spent over a year living in the Spanish capital due to kidnapping threats while studying in the Netherlands.
After receiving these threats shortly after starting her studies at the University of Amsterdam in 2022, she had to leave her university accommodation and was placed under increased security at her parents’ residence in The Hague.
According to NOS news, her time in Madrid afforded her greater freedom to move about, away from heightened security concerns.
Reflecting on her heartfelt gift of tulips, the Dutch Palace noted, “The Princess of Orange thanks Madrid and its people for the warm welcome in their city, which she was able to call home for some time, with a small tulip garden on Plaza de Oriente. The ambassador and the mayor of Madrid planted the first bulbs.”
Tulips, which are the national flower of the Netherlands, play a vital role in the country’s agriculture.
The Dutch royal family frequently presents tulips as a symbol of gratitude, including a gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa, Canada, after World War II in recognition of the shelter provided to members of the House of Orange-Nassau.
