A suspected far-right extremist is allegedly accused of planning a plot against two Dutch princesses, in what prosecutors called a possible "bloodbath," but the plan was foiled before it could happen.
Dutch Princess Catharina-Amalia and Princess Alexia Targeted in Alleged Attack Plan
The 33-year-old man is suspected of planning an alleged attack targeting Princess Catharina-Amalia, 22, the heir to the Dutch throne, and her younger sister Princess Alexia, 20 expectedly with an idea of killing them.
According to a court scheduling order issued by The Hague Public Prosecutor's Office, the suspect was discovered in possession of two axes. The weapons reportedly had disturbing engravings, including the words "Alexia," "Mossad," and "Sieg Heil," a Nazi-era salute.
Officials also stated that he was carrying a handwritten note that mentioned the names "Amalia," "Alexia," and the term "bloodbath." Prosecutors say these findings suggest a pre-planned violent attack.
The man was arrested in The Hague in February and is still in jail. He is expected to appear in court on Monday for a preliminary hearing, with another hearing scheduled later. His identity has not been disclosed under Dutch privacy laws, and authorities have not revealed any possible motive.
Dutch Princess Catharina-Amalia Security Concerns and Royal Threat History
The case has once again highlighted ongoing security risks faced by Princess Catharina-Amalia and Princess Alexia. Princess Catharina-Amalia, daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, has been living under strict protection for several years due to repeated threats and attacks.
In 2022, she was compelled to leave her student life in Amsterdam after credible threats linked to organised crime groups. Reports, including The Telegraph, suggested she was at risk of kidnapping. She later returned to a heavily guarded royal residence in The Hague, which significantly restricted her independence.
Meanwhile Queen Máxima said that she can't live in Amsterdam and she can't really go outside… It has enormous consequences on her life."
Princess Amalia Forced to Leave Netherlands Amid Kidnapping Threats
Security concerns escalated further when intelligence reports suggested that Princess Amalia was placed on a potential target list along with then Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
This forced her to leave the Netherlands for safety reasons. She spent nearly a year in Madrid before returning in 2024 under strengthened protection measures. She later reflected on her disrupted life, saying: "I miss normal life - walking the streets, going to a store, the life of a student."
Earlier Threats Against Dutch Princess Catharina-Amalia and Legal Action
This is not the first time Princess Amalia has faced threats. In 2020, a man was convicted for sending violent messages, including rape threats, to the then-teenage royal.
The case comes amid growing concerns over extremism and organised crime in the Netherlands. Authorities have been dealing with powerful drug networks, including those linked to convicted crime boss Ridouan Taghi, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2024 for multiple murders connected to the Marengo trial.
The case involved a series of contract killings, including the murder of a lawyer, a journalist, and a relative of a key witness. These incidents raised alarm about the reach of organised crime and its impact on national security.
Dutch Royal Family Public Life Continues Despite Security Threats
Despite ongoing threats, the Dutch royal family continues to carry out public duties, including Koningsdag celebrations marking King Willem-Alexander's birthday. However, the foiled attack plot is expected to increase scrutiny over royal security and highlight the ongoing challenge of protecting Princess Catharina-Amalia and Princess Alexia while maintaining their public roles.