In a case of mistaken identity, Serginio Piqué, a Black radio DJ from Amsterdam, and three companions were arrested at gunpoint in Antwerp, Belgium. The incident occurred when their vehicle inadvertently followed the same route as a car transporting Princess Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne.
The event unfolded as Piqué and his friends traveled from Amsterdam to Antwerp in a rented car. Unbeknownst to them, they were following the exact path taken by Princess Amalia's security detail. Dutch security services, on high alert due to recent threats against the princess, alerted Belgian authorities, leading to the dramatic arrest.
The men were ordered out of their vehicle and forced to kneel on the ground, surrounded by armed police. This action raised concerns about potential racial profiling. Piqué expressed his thoughts on the incident, stating, "You start to wonder if there was perhaps ethnic profiling involved. That is a feeling that every person of colour experiences when they are wrongfully stopped."
It wasn't until August 2, 2024, after an hour-long interrogation at the police station, that the group received an explanation for their arrest. They were informed that their vehicle had taken the same exits as the crown princess on the route to Antwerp, arousing suspicion.
The Netherlands, a constitutional monarchy with a rich history dating back to 1815, has been grappling with security concerns for its royal family. Princess Amalia, whose full name is Catharina-Amalia Beatrix Carmen Victoria, has been the target of potential threats from drug-running cartels, highlighting the complex relationship between the country's liberal drug policies and organized crime.
In response to the incident, the Dutch government information service extended an apology to Piqué on behalf of the royal family. The DJ acknowledged the apology, stating, "The apologies have been made, and that's what I wanted." He chose not to pursue legal action, understanding the gravity of the situation involving the crown princess's security.
"It was a situation in which the crown princess was involved, something that we must take seriously. We therefore had well-founded reasons to carry out the check in such a way."
This incident sheds light on the ongoing security measures surrounding Princess Amalia. Earlier in 2024, it was revealed that the princess had spent over a year living and studying in Madrid due to safety concerns. Her name, along with that of then-prime minister Mark Rutte, had been mentioned in intercepted communications between members of Dutch-Moroccan drug cartels.
The security situation has significantly impacted Princess Amalia's life. In February 2024, she spoke publicly about the threats for the first time, expressing her longing for a normal student life. "I miss normal life, the life of a student. Walking the streets, going to a store," she said.
This event underscores the delicate balance between maintaining security for high-profile individuals and respecting the rights and dignity of ordinary citizens. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Dutch royal family as they strive to maintain a public presence and relatively normal lifestyle in the face of modern security threats.