Dressed in a stunning red boho-patterned dress, a radiant Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands appeared fully in her element this week as she donated a garden of tulips to the city of Madrid.
The 21-year-old moved to the Spanish city last year as a result of growing fears for her safety after being threatened with kidnap by organised Dutch crime gangs.
The royal, who is heir to the Dutch throne, had been shielded for years from the public eye after the family after being the victim of cruel body shaming on social media.
Her confident public appearance this week came as a rare treat for royal fans, who aren’t used to seeing the glamorous princess flying solo.
Catharina-Amalia was glowing as she unveiled a plaque at the tulip garden yesterday, appearing the picture of confidence in her vibrant ensemble, with matching stylish leather boots.
As she fully steps into her role as Crown Princess and heir, Amalia appears to have opted for enhancing make-up, and a modern and mature style – as well as appearing to lose weight.
Speaking to FEMAIL, fashion expert Lisa Talbot noted the secrets behind her transformation, explaining: ‘Princess Catharina-Amalia’s evolving style beautifully reflects her transition from teenager to confident young royal.
‘In recent appearances, she’s moved away from more youthful, conservative silhouettes and is now embracing tailored coats, structured dresses, and elegant separates that reflect maturity and poise.
Dressed in a stunning red boho-patterned dress, a radiant Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands appeared fully in her element this week
The 21-year-old has for years struggled with confidence after cruel bodyshaming. Pictured in 2021
‘There’s a clear preference for rich, regal tones like deep greens, burgundy, and navy, often paired with classic accessories—a nod to timeless royal dressing.’
Lisa highlighted how Catharina-Amalia’s change in style has coincided with her taking on greater responsibilities for the royal family.
‘Her choices show she’s becoming more comfortable in the spotlight, with a growing awareness of how fashion can communicate strength, elegance, and individuality,’ Lisa continued.
‘It’s also worth noting she’s experimenting with bolder details – whether it’s a strong shoulder, a belted waist, or a statement neckline – adding a modern edge to her look.
‘While some of this evolution naturally comes with age, it’s also a reflection of her increased public role and a desire to carve out her own identity within the royal family.’
The princess’s transformation was first spotted by royal fans in September, when she donned a bottle green caped gown by Safiyaa London to attend the opening of Dutch parliament – her first time returning to the Netherlands following the kidnap threat.
Then, in February this year, Catharina-Amalia attended her first royal event alone – beginning her long journey to eventually becoming Queen.
The Princess of Orange, was in the port city of Vlissingen on Saturday to christen a new ship – the Dan Helder – before it headed out on its maiden voyage.
Princess Amalia of The Netherlands visits the Taste of Bonaire festival in January 2023
Princess Amalia of The Netherlands attends a diner gala the Council of State at Palace Noordeinde on September 18, 2024
Princess Amalia has previously faced threats of a kidnap attempt and body shaming. Pictured in 2022
The royal was typically chic in a light pink trouser suit, which she paired with an elegant brown fitted coat – appearing the spitting image of her mother Queen Maxima, who is very popular in the country due to her effortless charisma.
Such a transformation and clear confidence would once have been unthinkable for the princess.
In February 2023, Princess Catharina-Amalia was the subject of cruel body-shaming on social media, which prompted royal fans to jump to her defence.
One wrote on X: ‘People who are body shaming Princess Amalia of Netherlands are the same who body shaming Princess Catherine because she is too skinny with no curves.
‘That’s the reality in this social media, people hate that you are happy with yourself and that somebody loves you for the way you are.’
Another added: ‘I think she is absolutely beautiful!’
In July 2020, Portuguese magazine Cara issued an apology to Princess Amalia after they labelled the 16-year-old ‘plus-sized’ on a front cover and claimed she had ‘defended her figure of “real women”‘.
One critic wrote on Instagram: ‘Who gave you permission to comment on the body of a 16-year-old girl?’
Her confident public appearance this week came as a rare treat for royal fans, who aren’t used to seeing the glamorous princess flying solo
The princess was wearing a bright and vibrant ensemble, not afraid to stand out from the crowd
The princess’s transformation was first spotted by royal fans in September, when she donned a bottle green caped gown by Safiyaa London to attend the opening of Dutch parliament
Fashion expert Lisa Talbot told FEMAIL that Amalia has become a ‘confident young royal’
Another added: ‘They are talking about the body of a minor, adolescent and growing.’
In October 2022, the royal began a degree in Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics at Amsterdam University and moved into halls.
However, the high-profile student was forced to abandon her original living arrangements after being threatened with kidnap by Dutch organised crime gangs.
Last April, the Dutch public broadcaster NOS revealed the ‘Princess of Orange’ did ultimately escape the confines of The Hague and spent a year studying in Madrid.
Amalia, who first in line to the throne, is said to speak fluent Spanish thanks to her mother, who is Argentine by birth.
Officials would not confirm details of Amalia’s initial departure from her studies in Amsterdam, 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.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said at the time: ‘I’m very sorry for her and I’m obviously very concerned about it.’
He added that Dutch authorities were doing everything to ensure that the princess is safe.
In April 2024, she joined her father King Willem-Alexander for the annual Kingsday celebrations
The future European Queen (pictured in 2022) recently spent over a year living in Spain as a result of growing fears for her safety
‘She can’t live in Amsterdam and she can’t really go outside (the palace)… It has enormous consequences on her life. There is no student life for her like others have,’ said an emotional Queen Maxima at the time.
Amalia herself told reporters during a royal family tour of the Caribbean early last year that she missed ‘the normal life of a student’, having hoped she would be able to enjoy the student experience like her peers.
‘Sadly the reality was different,’ she said.
Her father, King Willem-Alexander, said in the podcast Through the Eyes of the King that the situation had ‘had a very hard impact’ on his daughter and his family.
‘The uncertainty, the lack of freedom, that is not how you want to raise your children and what you want to pass on to your children,’ he said.
The Minister for Justice and Security, Dilan Yesilgöz, told reporters in the weeks following Amalia’s withdrawal from studies in Amsterdam: ‘I guarantee that our security services work hard day and night to guarantee her safety.
‘It is terrible that this is necessary, in the first place for the Crown Princess herself.’
NOS later said that Amalia was able to return from Madrid to live and study in the Netherlands again – though the threat had not completely disappeared.
Ahead of her 18th birthday, royal spoke openly about the benefits of therapy in an authorised biography – having lost her aunt Ines to suicide in 2018.
She said: ‘Sometimes it all gets too much for me – school, friends – and then I talk to someone.
‘If I need it, I’ll make an appointment… talking to a professional every now and then is quite normal.’