Queen Máxima of the Netherlands presented a new digital initiative in Utrecht, marking the culmination of her years of work in the field of public health. This event, held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day, went far beyond the scope of a standard ceremonial occasion. For the monarch, it was a deeply personal step, shaped by a family tragedy that forever changed her outlook on life and her royal duties.
Seven years ago, in 2018, the royal family was shaken by heartbreaking news from Buenos Aires. The queen’s younger sister, Inés Zorreguieta, took her own life after a long struggle with depression and eating disorders. This tragedy became for Máxima not just a personal loss, but a powerful call to action. She has repeatedly emphasized that her determination to help young people facing psychological challenges is directly tied to the memory of Inés. The queen believes that open dialogue and timely support could have changed the outcome, and she has now dedicated herself to giving others the chance her sister never had.
The new project is called ‘In je bol’, which translates from Dutch as ‘in your head.’ This is an online platform created specifically for people aged 16 to 27. Its main goal is to provide young people with a safe space where they can access reliable information about mental health, read peer stories, get practical advice, and most importantly, understand that they are not alone in their experiences. The initiative is being implemented under the auspices of the MIND Us foundation, whose honorary president has been Máxima for several years. She consistently advocates for the destigmatization of mental health issues in society.
During the presentation in Utrecht, the queen did not limit herself to just an official speech. She took an active part in the festival dedicated to the platform’s launch and spent a lot of time talking with young people. At the end of the event, Máxima left a touching handwritten message for all participants: “Je eigen hoofd is al perfect.” This simple yet powerful statement expresses the key message of the entire project—acceptance of oneself and the importance of caring for one’s inner world. Her involvement did not appear merely formal, as the issues raised by the platform are relevant to her own family: her daughters are within the target age range of the project.
The loss of her sister was the second major blow for Máxima in a short span—less than a year earlier, in August 2017, she had said goodbye to her father, Jorge Zorreguieta. After enduring these tragedies, the queen channeled her efforts into using her position to draw attention to an issue that, for a long time, was not openly discussed in royal circles. Her work demonstrates a modern approach to the monarch’s role, where personal experience serves as the foundation for meaningful social change and practical help for people.
