Queen Maxima of the Netherlands to Serve in Dutch Military Reserves

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands will serve as a reservist in the Dutch military, RTL Nieuws reports, citing sources. The queen is expected to undergo a military training program that includes theoretical and physical preparation. She will also learn marksmanship and map reading. The 54-year-old monarch will begin part-time training this week.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense hopes to promote military service among the Dutch population. Earlier this year, Princess Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne, completed her basic military training and received the rank of corporal.

In November, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced the launch of the military reserves program, aiming to increase the size of the army to 100,000 by 2030. At the end of January, the political parties forming the new coalition government announced plans to increase the armed forces to 122,000.