Queen Maxima braves a hard hat as she gets behind the wheel of a digger in Amsterdam

Although Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is known for bold and bright wardrobe, she also has shown that she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and wear a hard-hat or two. 

As summer ended and a new round of royal engagements began, Queen Maxima visited several ongoing infrastructure projects around Amsterdam. The Dutch infrastructure sector has set a goal of being both climate-neutral and completely circular by 2030, with many projects bringing on big changes. 

The Dutch queen began her day by visiting the InZicht Information Centre in Amstelveen to learn more about circular projects. These tackle climate change by reusing materials, focusing on reuse and repairs, and by looking to renewable energy sources. 

Maxima then headed to Bullewijk to explore a bridge currently under construction; the project is a key example of reuse of concrete. 

Finally, Queen Maxima donned a high-vis vest and a hard hat for a trip to the Asphalt Recycling Train. She traded her suede stilettos for a pair of steel-toed boots and hopped aboard the train to see its work in action. 

Queen Maxima recently shared that her youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, will be joining the family for official events as she begins her gap year. Ariane is expected to attend Prinsjesdag on 16 September, the official beginning of the parliamentary year where the Dutch monarch gives the Speech from the Throne.