Queen Máxima Sworn In as a Reserve Officer and Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

On Friday afternoon, 13 November 2026, Queen Máxima was sworn in alongside 23 other reserve officers by the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army, Lieutenant General Jan Swillens. Upon completing her training as a reservist, she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the General Staff of the Royal Netherlands Army.

The ceremony took place at the Royal Military Academy (KMA - Koninklijke Militaire Academie) in Breda. The Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army delivered an address during the ceremony. King Willem-Alexander and Princess Amalia also attended the ceremony. Since 2025, Princess Amalia has been taking part in the Defensity College programme. In October 2026, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Queen Máxima registered as a reservist in early 2026 and began her military training following her appointment. The training included both theoretical and practical elements, including the acquisition of basic military skills. On 11 November, she completed the final components of her training. Queen Máxima has been assigned as a reservist to the King’s Military Household, where she will serve as a staff officer within the Royal Netherlands Army.

In addition to Queen Máxima, the group of reservists comprises 14 healthcare professionals from hospitals that work with the Ministry of Defence and four specialists from the Communication & Engagement Command. A further three individuals will serve as guards or security personnel with the National Reserve Corps, while two others will join the Engineer Corps and National Operations.