Amalia of the Netherlands Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Horse Riding Accident

Princess Amalia of the Netherlands, heir to the Dutch throne, underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday after falling from a horse, a passion she has cherished since childhood. The 21-year-old was immediately taken to UMC Utrecht, one of the country's most prestigious hospitals, where doctors confirmed that the fracture required surgical intervention.

The Government Information Service (RVD) issued a brief statement explaining that "the Princess of Orange fractured her arm after falling from her horse" and noted that "further information will be provided once the potential implications for official duties and other commitments are clear."

Queen Máxima, who was in Amsterdam fulfilling official commitments related to her work on youth mental health issues with the MIND Us foundation, paused her duties briefly to learn the details of the incident. Upon confirming her daughter was out of danger and the injury was under control, she resumed her activities until completion. Once finished, she headed to the hospital to be by her eldest daughter's side.

Amalia's love for horses is well-known. In fact, in Claudia de Breij's biographical book, published to mark the heir's coming of age, the young princess confesses, "if you really want to know me, you must see me when I am with my horse. It is at that moment that I can truly be myself."