The heir to the Dutch throne took part in a ceremonial meeting of the governmentB次元官网网址檚 chief advisory body Wednesday in a symbolic step into the royal limelight a day after she turned 18.

Princess Amalia, the eldest of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen MaximaB次元官网网址檚 three daughters, was formally welcomed by her father to the Council of State advisory panel in a nationally televised ceremony.

B次元官网网址淪ince yesterday, as our constitution also solemnly formulates, I have a rightful seat in the Council of State. And that has everything to do with the office that awaits me. In the distant future, I hope,B次元官网网址� Amalia said in a brief speech. B次元官网网址淎lthough there is always the realization that it could be tomorrow.B次元官网网址�

Amalia is taking a gap year after graduating from high school and before starting university. She acknowledged she has a lot to learn as a queen-in-waiting.

B次元官网网址淚 realize how little I know about the tasks of government, the assessment of laws, the functioning of the administration and the role of the judge,B次元官网网址� she said.

Now that she is 18, Amalia is entitled to an allowance worth 1.6 million euros ($1.8 million) per year, but she said earlier this year .

In a hand-written note to the Dutch prime minister, she said, B次元官网网址淚 find it uncomfortable as long as I can offer little in return and other students have it so much more difficult, especially in these uncertain corona times.B次元官网网址�

At a brief meeting with reporters after WednesdayB次元官网网址檚 event, Amalia underscored again that she will take her time to grow toward the role of queen of this nation of more 17.5 million and the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

B次元官网网址淭here is no school for becoming queen as there is for lawyer, teacher, baker,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淪o I think we need to look at what they did in the past but also keep a close eye on what is happening now and move with the times.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址擳he Associated Press