Princess Amalia of the Netherlands starts first day of senior school on bike

Like many other schoolchildren her age, Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands set off for school on Monday morning by bike, the preferred mode of transport in the low-lying country. The 11-year-old royal, who is the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, was filmed leaving her house and pedalling down the drive of her home.

The Dutch royal palace released a video on its official Facebook account, of Amalia starting her first day of senior school at the Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet in The Hague.

The footage was a rare move for the king and queen, who naturally hope to keep their children out of the public eye. When Amalia and her sisters started junior school in their younger years, press were not invited to the event.

Princess Catharina-Amalia, 11, is the first-in-line to the Dutch throne

"It is in the princess' interest that she can travel to school in peace," the caption for a photo of Amalia on her bike read. "Her school is private. The princess has, like her peers, the right to a normal youth. Because her life will largely be devoted to public duties in the future, it is important to respect her privacy."

Willem-Alexander, who ascended the throne in 2013 after his mother Princess Beatrix abdicated, has previously spoken of his hope for Amalia to have a normal childhood. The young royal, who is styled as the Princess of Orange, is the first-in-line to the throne.

"If Amalia doesn't have a normal upbringing, then we will have failed as parents," Willem-Alexander said in the past. He added that his daughter will not take on official engagements until she is 18 years old.

"If Amalia doesn't have a normal upbringing, then we will have failed as parents," King Willem-Alexander has previously said

Amalia and her younger sisters Princesses Alexia and Ariane live with their parents in Villa Eikenhorst in Wassenaar, an affluent suburb of The Hague. The younger princesses, who are ten and eight respectively, still attend the nearby Bloemcamp primary school.

Amalia's return to school comes just a day after the Dutch royal family enjoyed a day out sailing in Amsterdam. The royals were out in full force, joined by 77-year-old Princess Beatrix and Princess Mabel, who was married to Willem-Alexander's younger brother Prince Friso who sadly passed away two summers ago.

Ever the stylish royal, Máxima wore a casual chic Breton-striped top and white trousers and a pair of oversized sunglasses, and was pictured sweetly showering her three daughters with hugs and kisses.