Dutch Crown Princess Amalia Moved To Spain To Escape Kidnapping Threats

The Hague:

Dutch Crown Princess Amalia fled to Spain to escape threats to her safety, local media reported, as she prepared to make her official debut at a state occasion later Wednesday. The 20-year-old lived and studied in Madrid for more than a year, reported public broadcaster NOS, citing royal sources.

In October 2022, Amalia was forced to abandon plans to live in student digs over security fears, just weeks after she started at Amsterdam University to study politics, psychology, law and economics.

The heir to the Dutch throne was captured beaming by photographers when she started her studies, with much made of the fact that she planned to live in student accommodation. But the royal couple later said their daughter had been forced to return to the heavily guarded palace in The Hague.

"She can't live in Amsterdam and she can't really go outside (the palace)... It has enormous consequences on her life," said an emotional Queen Maxima at the time.

Officials would not confirm details, but the move came weeks after reports that Amalia and Prime Minister Mark Rutte were mentioned in communications by organised crime groups -- leading to fears of kidnappings.

NOS said the threat to Amalia had not completely disappeared but she was able to live and study in the Netherlands again due to unspecified "measures".

She is reportedly now living in Amsterdam.

On Wednesday, Amalia will for the first time play an official role in the two-day state visit of the Spanish royals.