Princess Ariane of the Netherlands, the 19-year-old youngest daughter of Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander, has announced her next steps following her gap year. She shared her plans during the annual Koningsdag celebrations in Dokkum on Monday, which honored her father’s 59th birthday.

Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft

Ariane will pursue a degree in aerospace engineering at TU Delft, the Netherlands’ oldest public technical university. “I am very happy that I have been admitted. I am very happy; it is an enormous opportunity,” she stated.

The three-year program, taught in English, begins in September. Students design hydrogen-powered aircraft, optimize satellites, helicopters, aircraft, and wind turbines for sustainable aviation. Graduates find roles in engineering firms, government agencies, or advanced studies.

Royal Family Academic Paths

Ariane follows a family tradition in engineering and aviation. Her late uncle, Prince Friso, specialized in aerospace after mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. King Willem-Alexander, an aviation enthusiast, flew commercial flights for KLM incognito for two decades.

She completed her International Baccalaureate at UWC Adriatic in Italy before her gap year, mirroring her sisters. Princess Amalia, 22, recently began a military work placement with the Royal Air Force. Princess Alexia, 20, studies civil engineering at UCL in London. Ariane attended Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet in The Hague, cycling to school from Paleis Huis ten Bosch.

Koningsdag Highlights

Koningsdag, the Dutch royals’ premier annual event, draws crowds nationwide to celebrate the monarch’s birthday. In Dokkum, the family donned vibrant outfits for street walks. A standout moment featured King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Princess Ariane skating on an ice rink in their ceremonial attire.

King Charles offered “heartfelt congratulations and warmest good wishes” to the Dutch royals via social media ahead of his state visit to the US.