A court in Utrecht has acquitted a 52-year-old man accused of planning to kidnap Princesses Amalia and Alexia, the eldest daughters of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. The prosecution alleged he had taken steps towards carrying out the plot and even sought to enlist a hacker to obtain confidential information.
Allegations and Arrest
- The suspect was detained in May at a petrol station near Hilversum after Dutch security services intercepted online messages threatening violence against the royal family.
- Investigators pointed to Facebook posts in which the man expressed hatred toward the monarchy and hinted at extreme measures, including “eliminating” the king.
- A laptop seized during the arrest contained lists of prominent figures, among them Princesses Amalia and Alexia, which prosecutors argued supported the kidnapping accusations.
- Authorities also cited encrypted chat logs suggesting contact with a hacker to procure sensitive data on the royal household.
Court’s Findings
- Presiding Judge Anouk van Houten found the evidence too speculative, noting a lack of concrete planning or logistics for an actual abduction.
- Messages deemed by prosecutors as proof of intent were, in the court’s view, more akin to vague expressions of anger and fantasy scenarios than actionable steps.
- The judge highlighted that no weapons, getaway vehicles, or detailed strategies were ever identified, undermining the claim of a genuine conspiracy.
Reactions and Next Steps
- The Public Prosecution Service announced it is considering an appeal, arguing the court underestimated the seriousness of the threats.
- The defendant’s lawyer welcomed the verdict, insisting his client was never capable of executing such a dangerous plot.
- Neither the royal palace nor security services have commented on the ruling, citing ongoing privacy and safety protocols.
With the acquittal now final unless overturned on appeal, the case raises fresh questions about how to balance free expression, online threats and genuine risks to high-profile figures in the digital age.
