Dutch Queen Joins the Military

Nytimes reports that Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has enlisted in the Dutch Army as a reservist, the Royal House said, saying 'our security can no longer be taken for granted.' She was appointed to the rank of soldier and began training on Wednesday. Pictures released by the Royal House showed her practicing shooting a handgun, climbing a rope and marching in formation.

After completing her training, Máxima will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. The move comes as European nations work to shore up defense capabilities and reduce dependence on the United States; the United States has insisted that Europe shoulder more of the burden of its own defense, and some officials have suggested the European Union will need a larger, more unified armed force.

The Netherlands plans to increase military spending to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2035, up from 1.9 percent in 2024, and to expand the armed forces to at least 122,000 from fewer than 80,000.

Netherlands