Queen Máxima was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel on Thursday, November 13, 2026, and was decorated with the insignia of a general staff officer of the Royal Dutch Army. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Royal Military Academy (KMA) in Breda, the Netherlands. The monarch's wife was presented alongside 23 other reserve officers and took the oath before the commander of the ground forces, Lieutenant General Jan Swillens. The king’s spouse was accompanied to the event by her husband, King Willem-Alexander, and her eldest daughter, Princess Amalia. The event, which initially took place in a courtyard under a mild autumn sun, featured a speech by General Jan Swillens prior to the formal swearing-in. “I am pleased that more and more people who feel this responsibility take this step, and so does the queen,” Swillens said. “Your step shows that even within the Royal House there is a need to assume responsibility and actively contribute to the security of our country.” The national anthem, Wilhelmus. Furthermore, the reservists were individually called upon to swear their oath. “I swear loyalty to the King, obedience to the laws, and submission to military discipline. May Almighty God help me,” Máxima declared, raising two fingers. As light rain began to fall at the conclusion of the ceremony, the music performed Wilhelmus. Then the signal “Please be seated” was given, and the queen was congratulated by other reservists. After the reception held in her honor, Máxima left the venue alongside her husband and daughter. Press photos Before departing from the courtyard gate, the royal couple and Princess Amalia posed for the press. Amalia embraced her mother and congratulated her on her promotion before escorting her parents toward the exit. A post shared by LINDA. (@linda). Reservists’ training Máxima enrolled as a reservist earlier this year and began military courses immediately after her appointment. The training period included both theoretical and practical modules, covering basic military skills. Last Wednesday, the queen completed the final sections of her training. In May, the queen received the barrette, signifying she had passed the first phase of the reservist program. Máxima was assigned to the King’s Household Reserve, with the duty to serve as a general staff officer within the Royal Army. Additionally, King Willem-Alexander and Princess Amalia are also members of the King’s Household Reserve. What’s best from LINDA. directly in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter. [1]
- Categories:
- Military
- Entities:
