Royals are expected to be the centre of attention wherever they go – but Princess Catherine-Amalia of the Netherlands really stole the show when she was pictured next to Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martinez-Almeida, during an engagement in the Spanish capital.
The 21-year-old Princess of Orange, who is the heir to the Dutch throne, struck a statuesque figure compared to the Spanish politician when she unveiled a commemorative plaque amongst a small tulip garden in Plaza de Oriente, Madrid.
Catherine-Amalia, who wore a red boho-patterned dress during the event, stands tall at 5ft 9in, but appeared even taller in her stylish heeled knee-high leather boots.
The added height from her heels meant she appeared to tower over Martinez-Almeida, whose short stature puts him at an estimated 5ft 3in.
However, their height disparity appeared stark as they walked side-by-side through Plaza de Oriente, which is located in the historic centre of Madrid.
The princess stood nearly a head taller than Martinez-Almeida in official photos.
Undeterred by the height difference, the pair were pictured strolling and chatting amicably before unveiling the plaque at the tulip garden she had gifted to the city.
Catherine-Amalia’s above-average height – she is slightly taller than the average Dutch woman, who stands at around 5ft 7in – compared against Martinez-Almeida’s below-average stature has become a topic of amusement on social media.
Martinez-Almeida is significantly shorter than the average Spanish man, who stands around 5ft 9in.
Princess Amalia was – literally – head and shoulders above the mayor of Madrid
Princess Catherine-Amalia, 21, stands almost a head taller than Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martinez-Almeida, 49, during her royal engagement to unveil a commemorative plaque in the Spanish capital
The princess, who is the heir to the throne of the Netherlands, gifted a small tulip garden to the city which she described as her ‘second home’
On Reddit, users joked that the mayor appeared ‘compressed’, while others pointed out the princess’s high heeled boots for making their height difference even more apparent.
‘It’s like they both went through Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, left got caught in the taffy puller, right is the Oompa Loompa gene experiment,’ one person wrote.
Another praised Martinez-Almeida for not wearing heel lifts, adding: ‘Gotta give it to him, he’s secure enough not to wear those stupid shoes other politics [sic] wear.’
Catherine-Amalia, who is the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, has lived in Madrid since 2023.
She moved there amid growing fears for her safety after she was threatened with kidnap by organised Dutch crime gangs.
At the plaque unveiling, she spoke in Spanish and said: ‘Madrid is like a second home to me, especially in a time that was difficult in the Netherlands.
‘In this very Dutch way, I want to thank everyone who took care of my safety and wellbeing in Madrid.’
She has also stayed away from the public eye after she was cruelly body shamed on social media by trolls.
The Dutch royal is taller than the average Dutch woman, while the Spanish politician is shorter than the average male Spaniard
Both her parents are also tall with Queen Maxima standing at 5ft10 and King Willem-Alexander at 6ft2
Catherine-Amalia moved to Madrid in 2023 after her safety was threatened by Dutch organised crime gangs
In 2020, Spanish magazine Caras came under fire for describing the princess as ‘plus-size’ on its front cover.
Once translated, the magazine’s subhead read: ‘The harassed heir to the throne of the Netherlands faces criticism with force and with the support of her parents. A princess who goes through puberty without taboos and defends her figure of “real woman”.’
However, Catherine-Amalia had not provided any quotes to the magazine nor commented on her weight in public.
The magazine was blasted by social media users and media outlets, who branded the publication as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘shameful’ for body-shaming the then-teenage royal.
But her appearance this week was seen as a display of newfound confidence, much to the delight of royal fans.
Speaking to FEMAIL, fashion expert Lisa Talbot noted the secrets behind her transformation, explaining: ‘Princess Catharina-Amalia’s evolving style beautifully reflects her transition from teenager to confident young royal.
‘In recent appearances, she’s moved away from more youthful, conservative silhouettes and is now embracing tailored coats, structured dresses, and elegant separates that reflect maturity and poise.
‘Her choices show she’s becoming more comfortable in the spotlight, with a growing awareness of how fashion can communicate strength, elegance, and individuality,’ Lisa continued.
‘It’s also worth noting she’s experimenting with bolder details – whether it’s a strong shoulder, a belted waist, or a statement neckline – adding a modern edge to her look.
‘While some of this evolution naturally comes with age, it’s also a reflection of her increased public role and a desire to carve out her own identity within the royal family.’