Being the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage 20 years ago, the Netherlands is now taking another step forward with its monarchy. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced earlier this month that the Dutch crown princess has the right to marry a person of any gender without giving up her right to the throne. 

Rutte was responding to questions from parliament that arose from a recently published book, Amalia, Duty Calls (Amalia, de plicht roept), in which author Peter Rehwinkel discusses the King Willem-Alexander’s 17-year-old heir, Princess Amalia, and argues that laws of succession exclude same-sex couples, though same-sex marriages have been legal in the Netherlands since 2001. 

Not much is known of Amalia’s personal life, and she has so far not made any comments on the matter. However, earlier this year, she decided not to accept the €1.6m annual allowance she becomes entitled to when she turns 18, citing that it would make her feel “uncomfortable”. 

Traditionally in the Netherlands, parliament played a role in approving royal engagements. The recent announcement in regards to same-sex ruling couples officially changes the age-old policy. Rutte, a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, said times have changed since one of his predecessors last addressed this issue in 2000. The PM wrote in a letter to parliament, “The government believes that the heir can also marry a person of the same sex. The cabinet therefore does not see that an heir to the throne or the king should abdicate if he/she would like to marry a partner of the same sex.”

“The position applies to all heirs of the throne, not just Princess Amalia,” he added. “The logistics of succession are still frightfully complicated. Let’s cross that bridge if we come to it.”

Just days after the Dutch government issued the statement, Sweden’s royals followed suit and also confirmed that same sex marriage is no bar to the throne. So far, amongst the world’s existing monarchies, only the Netherlands and Sweden are embracing this new standard of equality for ruling members of the royal family. Will there be more following suit, and which country will be next if so?