Máxima rondt eerste deel van militaire opleiding af, Amalia en Ariane als verrassing bij ceremonie | Show

Máxima rondt eerste deel van militaire opleiding af, Amalia en Ariane als verrassing bij ceremonie | Show

May 30, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

Queen Máxima has successfully completed the first phase of her military training as a reservist. The milestone was marked by a formal baret ceremony held on a Friday afternoon at the Trip van Zoudtlandtkazerne in Breda.

The event followed a rigorous schedule, including a bivouac in the Hilversum area overnight from Thursday to Friday. On Friday morning, the group participated in exercises near the Breda barracks before marching onto the grounds at approximately 15:15.

The Queen was greeted by King Willem-Alexander and Princesses Amalia and Ariane. In a notable family display, the King and Princess Amalia attended in their own combat gear, while Princess Amalia captured the occasion on her phone.

A Symbolic Transition

The ceremony took place on the hot courtyard of the Royal Military Academy (KMA) barracks. Following the command “caps off, berets on,” the group discarded their caps and simultaneously donned their berets.

From Instagram — related to King Willem, Royal Military Academy

During the inspection, an instructor shared a lighthearted moment by straightening the Queen’s beret. The commandant of the Dutch Defense Academy praised the royal family’s commitment, stating that the Queen “enthuses, motivates and inspires” and serves as “an example for many.”

Did You Know? The emblem on the Queen’s beret—a lion on a ponceau-red background—was restored to military dress in 2013 when King Willem-Alexander ascended the throne.

Rank and Responsibility

Upon the full completion of her reservist training, the Queen is expected to attain the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Rather than being assigned to a specific regiment, corps, or weapon, she will hold a broad and general role within the Royal Netherlands Army.

Queen Máxima Receives Military Beret | Dutch Queen Completes First Phase of Army Reservist Training

Her beret features a distinct emblem: a lion on a ponceau-red background. This symbol, known as the sign of the General Staff, is derived from the House of Nassau coat of arms, featuring the sword and bundle of arrows of the States Lion.

This specific emblem has a storied history, having been used since 1946 before being removed from clothing regulations in 1975. It was brought back into use in 2013 upon the accession of King Willem-Alexander.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter: “By participating in the same grueling exercises and bivouacs as other reservists, the Queen transforms a formal title into a visible commitment. This approach likely serves to humanize the monarchy while reinforcing the institutional connection between the royal house and the military.”

The Military House of the King

The Military House of the King currently consists of 17 people. This group is primarily composed of the King’s aides, though both the King and Princess Amalia are also members.

The Military House of the King
Princess Amalia King Willem-Alexander military uniform

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the baret ceremony take place?
The ceremony was held at the Trip van Zoudtlandtkazerne in Breda, specifically on the courtyard of the Royal Military Academy (KMA).

What rank will Queen Máxima hold after her training is complete?
Once she has finished the entire reservist training, she will attain the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

What is the significance of the emblem on the Queen’s beret?
The lion on a ponceau-red background is the sign of the General Staff and is derived from the House of Nassau coat of arms, featuring the sword and bundle of arrows of the States Lion.

How do you feel about royal figures taking on active military training roles?