Queen Máxima sworn in as army lieutenant-colonel

Queen Máxima has been sworn in as a lieutenant-colonel in the Royal Netherlands Army’s general staff, with the army’s land forces commander welcoming her decision to join the reserves as a contribution to national security.

At Friday’s ceremony at the Royal Military Academy in Breda, Lieutenant General Jan Swillens said the armed forces needed more personnel amid tensions around the world. “I am glad that more and more people feel that responsibility and take that step, including the Queen,” he said, according to Nieuws.nl.

Swillens said Máxima’s decision showed that “even in the Royal House, the need is felt to take responsibility and actively contribute to our country’s security”. She took the oath alongside 23 other reserve officers. King Willem-Alexander and Princess Amalia attended.

Máxima joined the army as a reservist earlier this year and completed her military training before Friday’s swearing-in. She is assigned to the King’s Military Household and is expected to serve in a general staff role, the Royal House has said. She received her beret in May after completing the first part of her training.

The oath pledges loyalty to the King, obedience to the law and submission to military discipline.