Global chaos sending Dutch back to Monarchy; Confidence in Royals rising

The increasing chaos and tensions worldwide have the residents of the Netherlands turning back to the monarchy. After years of plummeting popularity, confidence in the Dutch King and Queen is growing again, especially among young people, EenVandaag found in its annual King’s Day survey among over 22,000 members of its Opinion Panel.

The popularity of the Dutch monarchy plummeted during the coronavirus pandemic and continued hanging by a thread in the years since. Two years ago, only 52 percent of Dutch people still thought the Netherlands should have a monarchy. That is now 59 percent.

Support for the monarchy has particularly increased among young people aged 18 to 35, climbing from 44 percent in 2024 to 59 percent this year. “I am actually in favor of a republic, but at the moment, I have no confidence in having yet another election for a president,” one young respondent said. “The monarchy is at least stable.”

Confidence in the members of the Royal family is also rising, for the second consecutive survey. Confidence in King Willem-Alexander climbed from a low of 53 percent in 2024 to 63 percent now. And confidence in Queen Máxima climbed from 55 to 65 percent in that period.

Here, too, the increase was strongest among young people. In 2024, only 48 percent of young people had confidence in the King. This year, that’s 68 percent. Confidence in Queen Máxima climbed from 53 to 69 percent in the same period.

Respondents consider Willem-Alexander and Máxima “good ambassadors for the Netherlands” and “connectors” on an increasingly uncertain international stage. “In these turbulent times with many uncertainties, the King is a reasonable, stable factor,” one respondent said. “He exudes a certain calmness, and that is very important to me.”

Around 7 in 10 Dutch consider the King an important representative abroad, even if some of his visits cause a stir, like the recent visit to Donald Trump in the White House. 55 percent believe that the King should visit controversial world leaders, as long as it is good for the Netherlands, even if over 40 percent feel uncomfortable about meetings with some world leaders.

Respondents also praised the Royal Family’s commitment to Defense, such as Queen Máxima completing her reservist training and Crown Princess Amalia starting her General Military Training this year. 67 percent indicate that this had a positive influence on how they view the royal family.

62 percent of the Dutch have confidence in Crown Princess Amalia, putting her popularity in line with her parents’. 64 percent think she will do well as Queen, describing her as “intelligent,” “respectful,” and “tough.” Many older respondents say Amalia reminds them of her grandmother, former Queen Beatrix.