"Unconditional Benefit Inconvenience" Dutch Princess Rejects Allowance of Over 2 Billion Won

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The princess, who is first in line to the Dutch throne, has declared that she will not accept the annual allowance and living expenses amounting to about 2 billion won.

According to the British daily The Guardian on the 13th (local time), Amalia, the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, recently stated in a letter sent to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, "I will not receive living expenses and allowances until I properly fulfill my duties as a member of the royal family."

As the heir to the throne, Princess Amalia is entitled by law to receive 300,000 euros (about 400 million won) in living expenses and 1.3 million euros (about 1.75 billion won) in allowances, totaling 1.6 million euros (about 2.16 billion won) once she turns 18. This is the first time a member of the Dutch royal family has expressed such an intention.

According to the letter released by the Dutch public broadcaster NOS, Princess Amalia said, "It feels uncomfortable to receive money without any compensation," adding, "Especially when other students are going through difficult times due to COVID-19."

Prime Minister Rutte, who received the letter, replied, "Congratulations on your graduation," and said, "I respect your decision and express my gratitude." He also added, "Princess Amalia will be a wonderful queen."

Having recently taken her high school graduation exams, Princess Amalia plans to take a one-year gap year instead of immediately entering university.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.