Princess Ariane of the Netherlands, the 19-year-old youngest daughter of Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander, has announced her next steps after completing her gap year. She revealed during King’s Day celebrations in Dokkum that she will enroll in aerospace engineering at TU Delft, the country’s oldest public technical university.
Ariane’s Excitement and Background
Ariane expressed enthusiasm about her acceptance. “I am very happy that I have been admitted. I am very happy; it is an enormous opportunity,” she said.
The young royal completed her International Baccalaureate at UWC Adriatic in Italy before taking a gap year, similar to her sisters. Princess Amalia, 22, recently began a military work placement with the Royal Air Force, while Princess Alexia, 20, pursues a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at UCL in London.
Ariane previously attended Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet high school in The Hague, cycling to classes from Paleis Huis ten Bosch.
Details of the Aerospace Program
The three-year English-taught program starts in September. Students learn to design hydrogen-powered aircraft, optimize satellites, helicopters, planes, and wind turbines for sustainable aviation. Graduates find opportunities in engineering firms, government agencies, or advanced studies.
This choice aligns with family interests. King Willem-Alexander, an aviation enthusiast, flew commercial flights for KLM incognito for 20 years. Her late uncle, Prince Friso, specialized in aerospace after mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.
King’s Day Highlights
King’s Day, the Dutch royals’ premier annual event, honors the monarch’s birthday with nationwide festivities. Crowds gathered in Dokkum as the family, dressed in vibrant outfits, walked the streets. A standout moment featured the King, Queen, and Princess Ariane skating on an ice rink in their celebration attire.
King Charles offered “heartfelt congratulations and warmest good wishes” to the Dutch royals via social media ahead of his U.S. state visit.
