Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Princess Alexia at the Dutch Grand Prix© Kym Illman

Princess Alexia's major change following move to London revealed

The Dutch royal is studying at UCL

Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
November 21, 2024
Share this:

Princess Alexia headed to London this September in order to study on the Bachelor of Science & Engineering for Social Change course at the Faculty of Engineering.

However, just months after arriving, the Dutch princess has decided to swap up her degree at UCL. The 19-year-old has now switched onto the Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering.

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Princess Alexia celebrates graduation with special Dutch tradition

According to UCL's prospectus of her original course, students will gain "in-demand skills needed to solve key challenges of society".

It adds: "By studying a broad range of topics through this degree – taught from engineering, social and political perspectives – you'll gain multi-disciplinary knowledge that is sought-after in business, charity, government and policy roles."

Princess Alexia in front of UCL's main building© RVD
Alexia has now changed her course at UCL

Alexia's new degree is instead focused on infrastructure, including tunnels, bridges and dikes, alongside construction in or around water.

The course could come in handy for the Dutch princess as her home country contains thousands of kilometres of dikes to protect against floods. It's believed that 26 per cent of the country lies below sea level, meaning construction around water will be vital for its future.

Princess Alexia in red gown with blue sash© Getty
The Dutch royal is second in line to the throne

The royal had reportedly been unsure of which course to pursue at university, with her initial decision coming at the last minute. She had enrolled on several different courses at different universities until she made her decision.

When Alexia started her university education, she shared a video in which she wore a suede tan waistcoat and white trousers. The clip saw her walking towards UCL's iconic building in Bloomsbury, before turning around, beaming and waving at the camera.

Princess Alexia at her UWC Atlantic graduation with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima© RVD
The royal has been supported by her family

The royal already has a close connection to the UK, having completed her two-year International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College in Wales in 2022.

Alexia, who is second in line to the Dutch throne, was born on 26 June 2005 at HMC Bronovo in The Hague. She began her education at the public primary school, Bloemcampschool in Wassenaar, before attending secondary school at Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet.

LISTEN: Inside Prince William's South African journey

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.