The future Queen of The Netherlands has turned down a €1.6 million (£1.4 million) yearly allowance she will be entitled to when she turns 18.
Princess Catharina-Amalia, 17, wrote a letter to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, saying she will not accept any money until she takes up royal duties.
The royal, who is celebrating her 18th birthday in December, said she feels uncomfortable with receiving a high amount of money and not giving back to her country.
She also said other students have had a tougher time than her during the coronavirus pandemic, so she decided to reject the allowance.
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In the letter, which was published by NOS, she told the PM: “On 7 December 2021, I will be 18 and, according to the law, receive an allowance.
“I find that uncomfortable as long as I do not do anything for it in return, and while other students have a much tougher time of it, particularly in this period of coronavirus.”
The princess, who attended Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet in The Hague and recently completed secondary school, went on to explain she plans to take a gap year before beginning her undergraduate studies.
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She also said she wants to repay the €300,000 (£257,150) she received every year during her time as a student.
The future Queen added that she would not claim the high allowance for household support until she incurs “high costs in my role as Princess of Orange.”
According to NOS, it is the first time that a member of the Dutch royal family has rejected the public-funded salary.
(Image: Getty Images)
Princess Catharina-Amalia’s mum described her as “responsible” and a “wonderful human being” during a recent interview.
Queen Maxima said: “I don’t see her as the future Queen. I still see her as my little baby. She is doing really well.
“She is very responsible. She realises what her future will be but handles it really well.
“She takes her time, and she is a wonderful human being.”
