The Pre-College Move Princess Ariane Is Making, Just Like Kate Middleton and Prince William Once Did

Princess Ariane of the Netherlands to Take Gap Year Following Family Tradition

Princess Ariane of the Netherlands has recently confirmed her decision to embark on a gap year following her graduation from the United World College of the Adriatic in Italy earlier this year. The youngest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, Princess Ariane, aged 18, has chosen to take a year off to travel before pursuing further education, aligning with the path taken by her elder sisters, Princess Catharina-Amalia, 21, and Princess Alexia, 20. It is a common practice amongst European royals to take a break before diving into higher studies.

Princess Catharina-Amalia, after completing a degree in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics at the University of Amsterdam, is set to pursue Dutch Law as her next academic endeavour, while Princess Alexia is currently studying civil engineering at the University College London (UCL). Princess Ariane, on the other hand, plans to utilise her gap year for travel and exploration. However, before embarking on her personal journey, the royal family came together for quality family time, attending the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort Circuit on August 31, 2025, marking the end of the summer season.

In line with Dutch tradition, Princess Ariane raised her school backpack on the flagpole at the esteemed Palace Huis ten Bosch after her graduation. During the same period, her sister, Princess Catharina-Amalia, was commemorated for receiving her bachelor’s degree, with celebrations attended by their parents, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, and their grandmother, former monarch Princess Beatrix. Princess Catharina-Amalia, who is set to succeed as the future queen of the Netherlands, focused her studies on artificial intelligence, delving into the interface between European fundamental rights and AI legislation with her final manuscript titled “Beyond Disclosure: Bridging the Gap Between the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Charter of Fundamental Rights with Deepfaked Bodies.”

The educational journey of the future queen has not been without challenges. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Amsterdam, she faced security threats that compelled her to remotely complete her studies from Madrid. King Willem-Alexander expressed his gratitude towards the Spanish royal family for extending their support during the tumultuous period. The royal family’s commitment to education and personal growth is evident through their experiences, resonating with a wider audience as they navigate through the complexities of academic pursuits amidst royal duties and responsibilities.

Gap years hold significance not only for the Dutch royals but also for other European monarchies. Prince William and Kate Middleton participated in a Raleigh International expedition to Chile before commencing their studies at the University of St. Andrews. Similarly, Prince Harry engaged in voluntary work in Australia and Africa, illustrating the diverse avenues pursued by members of the British royal family during their early adult years. The decision to embrace a gap year reflects a blend of personal growth, experiential learning, and a break from conventional academic pursuits, resonating with the broader societal trend of exploring diverse opportunities before committing to a specific career path.

As Princess Ariane embarks on her gap year, she joins a lineage of European royals who have embraced the enriching experiences that come with taking a break from formal education. Through their choices, the royal family sets an example of balancing tradition with modern practices, highlighting the importance of personal exploration and self-discovery in shaping one’s educational and professional journey. Princess Ariane’s forthcoming adventures hold the promise of broadening her horizons, fostering cultural exchanges, and nurturing personal development, setting the stage for a transformative year ahead.