Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was beaming with pride as she posed alongside her youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, during a special family celebration on Saturday.
The Dutch royal joined her husband, King Willem-Alexander, to mark a major academic milestone for their 18-year-old daughter.
In a post shared on the royal family’s official Instagram account, the palace confirmed: “Princess Ariane has completed the exams for the International Baccalaureate at the United World College Adriatic.
“Today, the school marks the end of the exam period with the traditional Graduation and Academic Year Closing Ceremony. The results of the exams are expected at the beginning of July.”
A Proud Day in Italy
Princess Ariane looked radiant as she celebrated the occasion at her school in Duino, Italy. Dressed in a magenta gown with capped sleeves and a flowing skirt by Italian brand TwinSet, the young royal held her certificate with a triumphant smile.
Standing beside her, Queen Máxima embraced summer elegance in the ‘Mae’ dress by Zimmermann — a mustard yellow, floral-printed design cinched with an Oscar de la Renta raffia belt. She completed the look with Valentino ‘Rockstud’ espadrilles and bold floral earrings from Zara, embodying effortless royal style.
King Willem-Alexander, arm affectionately around his daughter, sported a tailored earth-toned suit, complemented by tan shoes and a patterned blue tie, creating a warm and coordinated family moment.
A Royal Graduate with European Peers
With her graduation from the United World College Adriatic, Princess Ariane joins a prestigious circle of royal alumni. Her father, King Willem-Alexander, is himself a UWC graduate, as are Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, who finished UWC Atlantic in 2020, and Spain’s Princess Leonor, who graduated from the same campus in Wales in 2023.
Prior to attending UWC, Princess Ariane was enrolled at Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet in The Hague, the same school her older sisters, Princess Catharina-Amalia (21) and Princess Alexia (19), also attended.
Though her university plans have not yet been made public, it’s likely Ariane will pursue higher education abroad.
Princess Amalia is set to graduate from the Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics (PPLE) program at the University of Amsterdam, while Princess Alexia is currently studying Science and Engineering for Social Change at University College London.
As the youngest of the Dutch royal siblings reaches this exciting crossroads, all eyes will be on where her journey leads next — but for now, it was a day of joy, celebration, and proud family moments in Italy.
