After Queen Máxima announced she would join the armed forces as a reservist, defense job applications and website visits sharply increased, a trend dubbed the “Máxima-effect.” The move, following a similar boost linked to Princess Amalia, aims to inspire others to support national security despite mixed reactions.
This month, the royal family announced that Queen Maxima, after a short military training, will be joining the armed forces part time as a reservist. After this announcement, the Defence Ministry's recruitment website saw twice as many visitors as usual. Beginning this week, the vacancy page was visited 22,700 times, in January the average was 1870. The number of registrations for job applications, information meetings and contact requests was 30 percent higher than the average of last week. After the registration of princess Amalia, the application for new students at the Defense academy doubled. At that time we spoke about the ‘Amalia-effect’.
Who is a reservist?
A reservist is a military that works part-time for the Dutch armed forces, alongside another job or study. They do not contribute everyday, they are deployed or called up when needed. Most of the reservists are ordinary citizens, without any further experience, like Maxima. Once the queen has completed her training, she will be given the rank of lieutenant-colonel. This does not mean she will be fighting on the frontline, reservists support the army in many different ways. This can include jobs in the office, hospital, or in logistics.
Photo Credits: Ministry of Defence
Máxima is not the first member of the Dutch royal household that joined the armed forces. Last January, princess Amalia finished the AMO, a military training course at the Defense college. She will continue her education. Currently, she is working as a student assistant at the Defense Staff. The Dutch royals are not alone in this tradition, royals across Europe have a history of military service. Princess Elisabeth, the heir to the Belgian throne, signed up for a year in military school. Her father, King Philippe, also attended the Royal Military School in central Brussels.
Security can’t be taken for granted
But why is the royal family doing this? The Ministry of Defense stated that because the security of the Netherlands can no longer be taken for granted, Maxima has decided to become a reservist. Like many others, she wanted to make a contribution to Dutch security. Ministry of Defense spokesperson Klaas Meijer said enlisting was Máxima’s choice, “but we are of course very proud that she is doing this’’. He hopes this encourages people to do something similar.
The reactions are mixed. Some are critical, seeing our queen fighting in the frontline is maybe hard to imagine. Especially, when taking into account that in times of war, the queen can be a target. But as noted earlier, working for the armed forces can take many different forms. Others are positive, saying it is a bold move and an inspiration for many, showing that no matter your age, you can always start something new.
