Princess Alexia of the Netherlands was back in hospital last week to undergo surgery on her leg. Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander's 11-year-old daughter had an operation to remove a plate and several screws in her right leg, which she broke during a ski accident in February.
The plate and screws had been put in place to help the princess heal, and as part of her recovery they were removed in a successful operation.
The Dutch palace confirmed the surgery "went well" and Alexia was allowed to leave the Erasmus MC-Sophia Hospital in Rotterdam several hours later.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Alexia underwent surgery on her right leg
The accident took place earlier this year when Alexia and her family were enjoying a holiday in Lech, Austria. The resort is a favourite with the Dutch royals, who usually pose for official portraits on the slopes each year.
Alexia, her two sisters Princess Catharina-Amalia and Princess Ariane and their mum and dad were pictured playing in the snow, as well as navigating the slopes with grace and style.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe 11-year-old suffered a ski accident earlier this year
However later on in the holiday, Alexia suffered an accident. She fractured her right thigh and a spokesperson confirmed that she was immediately rushed to hospital in Innsbruck via helicopter. The operation was a success and carried out with no complications.
A few weeks later Queen Máxima appeared on local TV show Hart van Nederland, where she gave an update about her middle daughter's health. Máxima described her young princess as "a fighter".
© Photo: Getty ImagesHer mum Queen Máxima described her young princess as "a fighter"
"She's getting better by the day," said Máxima. "Although she finds the fact that she can't walk without crutches or do physical activities frustrating."
King Willem-Alexander added: "She knows that in a couple of weeks she'll be better and that it's just temporary."
