Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands appeared in high spirits as she carried out royal duties in Amsterdam on Wednesday, meeting Mayor Femke Halsema and holding scheduled discussions with local residents following an episode in which her image was used in manipulated intimate videos.
Amalia, 21, smiled as she arrived for a luncheon engagement at which she was due to speak with several people who play an important role in the city. The princess was welcomed by Halsema and was accompanied by members of the royal household. Dutch authorities and international partners have been investigating the circulation of so-called deepfake videos that placed her likeness on other bodies to create misleading intimate footage.
Dutch and U.S. law enforcement have taken action to remove websites hosting the footage, and investigators say one of the platforms targeted in those efforts was MrDeepFakes. Authorities say more than 70 Dutch women were affected. The Netherlands' police, working with the FBI, have said they are pursuing those responsible, but no arrests have been announced.
The creation and distribution of deepfake sexual material is a criminal offence in the Netherlands, punishable by up to a year in prison, with heavier sentences possible for repeat offences. The royal household has said the princess is being supported by her parents, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.
Amalia has previously written and studied on the subject. As a student at the University of Amsterdam in a programme covering politics, psychology, law and economics, she completed a thesis titled "Beyond Disclosure: Bridging the Gap Between the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Charter of Fundamental Rights with Deepfaked Bodies." The royal house also said Amalia will study for a bachelor’s degree in Dutch law at the University of Amsterdam in the coming academic year.
The incident is the latest in a string of security-related concerns involving the princess. In 2023 Dutch media reported that organised crime figures had discussed plans that raised fears of a kidnapping, prompting Amalia to leave student accommodation and spend more than a year living in Spain amid heightened security. Officials did not publicly confirm specific details of her initial departure from her studies. Then-Prime Minister Mark Rutte said at the time, "I'm very sorry for her and I'm obviously very concerned about it," and added that Dutch authorities were doing everything to ensure her safety.
Amalia is the eldest child of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and is first in line to the throne. She has two younger sisters, Princess Alexia, 19, and Princess Ariane, 18. Ariane recently began a gap year following her graduation and is expected to resume studies in due course.
Dutch investigators have said the misuse of technology to manipulate people’s images for non-consensual sexual content is a growing concern and that international cooperation is necessary to track and remove material posted across borders. Civil and criminal remedies exist in the Netherlands, and the topic has prompted debate in Europe about how to regulate artificial intelligence and protect individuals’ rights.
Amalia’s public appearance in Amsterdam comes as authorities continue to probe the origins and spread of the videos and as the princess resumes public duties amid measures intended to safeguard her privacy and security. Dutch officials have reiterated support for the investigation and for measures to assist victims of image-manipulation crimes.