If Princess Amalia Becomes Queen: What It Means for Alexia and Ariane

In the Dutch royal family, the line of succession is female. While Princess Amalia is the future queen, her sisters Alexia and Ariane are next in line after her. Many fans are wondering what role Alexia and Ariane will play alongside their older sister in the future.

Princess Amalia, the heir to the throne, is taking on responsibilities at an early age that go far beyond what is customary. In doing so, she is being prepared for her future in more than just a symbolic way.

In addition to Amalia’s second bachelor’s degree in Dutch law, she has been participating in a two-year military program since September 2025. In 2026, she will join the Royal Navy. As a result, her workload continues to grow.

While Amalia is being prepared for her future role as queen, Princess Alexia is studying engineering in London. She rarely appears in public, but is said to be a major source of support within the family.

Documentary filmmaker Sam Hoevenaar, who has been following the sisters for years, clearly describes Alexia’s attitude: “Her family members have said that she is overjoyed not to be number one, because she definitely does not want to become queen. We also know that she isn’t interested in tiaras and princess dresses.” Furthermore, Alexia is willing to help Amalia whenever necessary and has made that clear to her sister.

Even the youngest sister isn't confined to a supporting role. Princess Ariane will begin studying aerospace engineering at Delft University of Technology this fall and is already occasionally stepping in to help out at royal engagements.

The Dutch royal family wants to ensure that Alexia and Ariane do not see themselves merely as backups for the heir to the throne. Instead, both are expected to pursue their own interests and become professionally independent.

That is precisely where the true significance of Amalia’s future coronation lies for her sisters. Although Alexia and Ariane are behind her in the line of succession, their lives should not be defined by waiting for a possible opportunity to take the throne.

Royal expert Tirza van der Graaf put it this way in the ZDF documentary 'Royal Family – Holland’s Royal Siblings': “It’s important for them to become independent. Although they are queen-in-waiting, they must be able to lead their own lives and pursue their own interests.” In this way, the royal family emphasizes unity rather than competition.