Hidden in Spain

Crown Princess Amalia spoke about fleeing the mafia

Crown Princess Amalia was threatened by the mafia and had to be hidden in Spain. Now she spoke for the first time about her life in Madrid.(Bild: Mischa Schoemaker / ANP)

On Saturday, the Netherlands celebrated the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. He not only brought Queen Máxima with him to Emmen, but also his three beautiful daughters Amalia, Alexia and Ariane. However, the Dutch royal family has not just been celebrating in recent months. The Crown Princess was threatened by the mafia - and even had to flee to Spain for her protection.

For the first time, Crown Princess Amalia spoke about her escape from the mafia on Dutch television on "King's Day". The so-called "Mocro Mafia", which controls a large part of European cocaine smuggling, is said to have planned the kidnapping of Willem-Alexander's eldest daughter. 

"A little more freedom"
"Of course, it was strange circumstances that led me to go there," Amalia now explained about her secret move to Spain. "I am still very grateful to everyone who made it possible for me to walk around there in freedom."

The Dutch royal family celebrated King Willem-Alexander's birthday on Saturday.(Bild: APA/AFP/ANP/Freek van den Bergh)

Amalia actually wanted to start her studies in politics, psychology, law and economics at the University of Amsterdam in 2022 and even moved into a student residence in the Dutch capital. A few weeks later, however, the heir to the throne had to return to the palace in The Hague. The royal family had already spoken of threats against the princess at the time.

As it emerged in mid-April, the 20-year-old was eventually hidden away in Madrid for more than a year. "I managed to find a little more freedom there than was possible here," Amalia now explained.

Back in her homeland
The Crown Princess is now back in Amsterdam. How does it feel? "I can't say anything about security," says Amalia. That is for her own protection. "But the Netherlands is my home, so it's nice to be back. Her time in Spain has "made life here somewhat possible again". 

Amalia's father Willem-Alexander added: "Of course it's terrible to see that your daughter, who was so looking forward to spreading her wings after corona, couldn't spread them." And added: "Fortunately, it worked out in Madrid."

Amalia is a "clever" and "independent girl", Máxima also gave her daughter roses. That's why she can "handle a situation like this very well".