Royal enrols at prestigious London university after taking a year to decide where to study

Princess Alexia of the Netherlands

Alexia has finally found her place at London's UCL

INSTAGRAM
James Saunders

By James Saunders


Published: 24/09/2024

- 22:07

After 12 months of decision-making, the second-in-line has made her choice

The Netherlands' Princess Alexia has started studying at a top London university, the Dutch royal family has confirmed.

It's understood that the princess took a gap year after feeling "stressed" about where to go after school - and after 12 months of decision-making, Alexia has made her choice.


Posting a photo and video to mark the occasion, the family's official Instagram account confirmed where and what Alexia, 19, will be studying.

They said: "Princess Alexia is in London where she will be starting her studies at University College London (UCL) this week.

Princess Alexia of the Netherlands

The Dutch royal family's social media account confirmed Alexia will be studying Science and Engineering for Social Change

INSTAGRAM

"She is starting a bachelors' in Science and Engineering for Social Change at the Faculty of Engineering."

The second-in-line to the Dutch throne's choice of study could point towards a potential career path, the university's website says.

UCL's course outline talks up the degree as a pathway to work in corporate, charity or government roles - while graduates will be expected to "understand scientific and technical principles, and have the policy skills needed to create practical solutions to pressing problems".

Like many foreign students, the Dutch princess might have enrolled at UCL in order to study in the heart of London - but Alexia will be taking lectures at the university's "East Campus" at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford.

MORE ON THE DUTCH ROYALS:

UCL

PA

And her decision comes in the face of prior reports which hinted that she might have been heading to the University of Groningen in the north of the Netherlands.

Regardless of her choice, royal fans were quick to heap praise on the princess - King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima's middle child.

On social media, one wrote: "Good luck, but also have fun, Alexia. It's nice that the princess can enjoy a bit more privacy and freedom than in the Netherlands.

"Every human needs that, including princesses!"

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

Alexia is the daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

PA

Another wrote: "That relaxed laugh says it all... Enjoy! The world is at your feet."

One Italian fan wrote: "Best wishes to Princess Alexia for her entrance into a city so rich in history.

"Best wishes also for the new study that is about to start... Social change - such a relevant topic. Cheers to putting everything to the max! Happy beginning to Princess Alexia."

One, making reference to one notable Dutch pursuit attended by the Duchess of Edinburgh over the Summer, wrote: "Hockey club is waiting..."

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