Queen Máxima Sworn In as a Dutch Army Reservist

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was sworn in as a reserve officer in the Royal Netherlands Army on Friday, 13 November 2026, with the rank of lieutenant colonel. A reservist is a part-time member of the armed forces who trains alongside regular soldiers and can be called on for service. Lieutenant colonel is a senior officer rank.

The Dutch Royal House published the news under the headline "Koningin Máxima beëdigd als reservist" ("Queen Máxima sworn in as reservist"), dated 13 November 2026. The Dutch Royal House said she registered as a reservist in early 2026 and began military training after her appointment. That training had theoretical and practical parts, including basic military skills. She completed the final parts on 11 November.

Once sworn in, she was assigned to the King's Military Household, where she serves in the Royal Netherlands Army as a staff officer. Staff officers support commanders with planning, information and administration. She took the oath on Friday afternoon alongside 23 other reserve officers.

Members of her family attended to support her. King Willem-Alexander and Princess Catharina-Amalia were there. According to Hello! magazine, the King wore a standard army service uniform, while the Queen wore an army reservist uniform. Princess Catharina-Amalia wore the service dress uniform of the Dutch navy. Hello! also reported that the Princess kissed her mother on the cheek while celebrating the occasion.

The Princess has her own military record. She completed her General Military Training in January and earned the rank of corporal. She was later promoted to sergeant while continuing her naval training.

Ceremonies like this one follow a set form: an oath, a rank, and an assignment. Friday's event recorded all three for the Queen.