Dutch princess forced to move out of student home due to security risk
by Dutch Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia is under heightened security due to concern she could be targeted by criminals.
Catharina-Amalia, 18, heir to the Dutch throne, began studying at the University of Amsterdam last month and had moved into an apartment in the city.
But her parents Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander now say concerns for her safety have forced her to move back to Huis ten Bosch royal palace in The Hague.
Dutch news agency ANP reported Queen Maxima as saying: “She can hardly leave the house.”
Last month, several Dutch media outlets reported the princess, whose formal title is Princess of Orange, was under heightened security due to fears that criminal gangs may target her for kidnapping or an attack.
‘Terrible news’
Dutch police and the country’s Secret Service have declined to discuss security arrangements around the Royal House.
Princess Amalia started her politics and economics degree last month and was living in rented accommodation she shared with several other students in Amsterdam before she has had to move back home.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he could not specify the details of the threats.
“This is terrible news, for her… Everyone involved is doing everything possible to make sure she is safe,” he added.
“The consequences are very difficult for her,” ANP quoted Queen Maxima as saying. “There is no student life for her like others have.”