Wearing full military camouflage and face paint, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands appeared almost unrecognisable on Tuesday during a visit to a training centre of the Dutch Armed Forces near Amsterdam.
The 54-year-old monarch took part in two training exercises alongside members of the Royal Military Police (Koninklijke Marechaussee), according to reports in the Dutch media. In one of the drills, Queen Máxima assisted in providing first aid to a “casualty” during a simulated combat scenario, participants said.
The exercises took place at the training centre in Harderwijk, about 70 kilometres east of Amsterdam, as part of the country’s voluntary service year - a programme designed to encourage young recruits to join the Dutch Armed Forces.
Queen Máxima’s daughter, Princess Amalia, 21, began her own military training in September, receiving the rank of non-commissioned officer. At the same time, she is studying Law at the University of Amsterdam.