Many conversations that De Breij has recorded are about family. About her parents, who sent her to a child therapist at a young age, and about arguing with her sisters. But also about the impact that the death of two close relatives had.
For example, her aunt Inés, Queen Maxima’s younger sister, killed herself two years ago. Prince Friso had already died a few years earlier, after a serious skiing accident in Lech. He was buried under an avalanche while going off-piste with a friend.
The accident is only mentioned in passing when it comes to Amalia’s hobbies. When the two talk about skiing, the princess says she prefers to go off-piste. “Because of that nice fresh powder snow”. Anyone interested in the royal family immediately makes the link with the death of Friso, including de Breij. “Had special training, didn’t you,” continues the princess. “And I have with me all the means for avalanche danger, such a beeper, such a special backpack. And we always go, always with a guide.”
The two also talk about religion, social media, her school days and what she is going to study. Amalia is not yet sure about the latter. Her interests lie in history, economics and law, but she doesn’t know exactly what it will be yet. Nor whether she will traditionally study in Leiden. If she does, it’s “because I really want to and not because of tradition”.
‘Really beautiful singing’
De Breij also records light-hearted conversations. This is how the artist writes about the talents of the princess. For example, she can make an excellent cocktail and – in De Breij’s words – “sing really beautifully”. In a room of Huis ten Bosch palace where there is only a grand piano, Amalia sings Memory by Barbara Streisand. As far as Amalia is concerned, such performances remain private. It offers her comfort, she can express her emotions with it, an important reason to keep it to herself.
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