King's Day 2022

Message for Princess Amalia

On King's Day, 27 April, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima and their family visited Maastricht for a broad and festive programme. During the royal visit, Rianne Letschert, President of our Executive Board, and Rector Pamela Habiboviç symbolically opened the international world of Maastricht University, the European university of the Netherlands, by raising the European flag. Afterwards, Rianne Letschert had some advice for Princess Amalia.

The raising of the flag was also the start of a musical dance show by UM students led by Jennifer Romen (Oxygen) to the music of Maastricht DJ duo (UM alumnus) Lucas & Steve and the strings of philharmonie zuidnederland. Following this musical event, Rianne Letschert and Pamela Habiboviç accompanied the royal family to the next part of the programme.

Warm recommendation

Speaking on Dutch national radio in the wake of the festive reception, , Rianne Letschert warmly recommended that Princess Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne,  come and study at Maastricht University after her gap year:

"Maastricht University is an excellent place for a future royal. At UM, the most international of Dutch universities, you are constantly working and studying with fellow students from all over the world. That is particularly important because we all know that the royal family often do their work for the Netherlands in an international environment. In Maastricht, you will start doing this during your student years. But do bear in mind that studying at UM means hard work. Hiding is not an option. You don't just dive into your books on your own in your room, but get to work together with your fellow students in the small groups that are typical of our university."

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