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Biography & Personal Stories
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The Dutch King's Secret Double Life as a Commercial Airline Pilot
For 21 years, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands secretly worked as a commercial airline pilot for KLM. Unbeknownst to passengers, he flew Fokker 70 and Boeing 737 jets as a 'guest pilot,' a hobby he called essential for his focus and relaxation.
For most people, a part-time job might involve working a few shifts at a local cafe or freelancing online. For King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, it involved taking the controls of a commercial passenger jet. In a revelation that charmed and astonished the world, the Dutch monarch confirmed in 2017 that he had been secretly working as a co-pilot for KLM for over two decades, all while carrying out his duties as a prince and later as king.
A Royal Escape
The life of a monarch is one of constant public scrutiny and immense responsibility. For Willem-Alexander, flying was not about seeking thrills but about finding a sanctuary in the sky. He described it as a hobby that allowed him to completely de-stress and refocus. In the cockpit, his royal title was irrelevant; he was simply a pilot, part of a team responsible for the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. This separation from his official life was crucial for his mental well-being.
You have an aircraft, passengers and crew. You have responsibility for them. You can't take your problems from the ground into the skies. For me the most important thing is that I have a hobby for which I need to concentrate completely.
This sentiment highlights a rarely seen side of royalty—the need for a genuine escape, a passion that demands total concentration and offers a different kind of purpose away from the gilded cage of the palace.
Flying Incognito
For 21 years, King Willem-Alexander flew as a "guest pilot" for KLM's subsidiary, Cityhopper, typically twice a month. The logistics of maintaining such a secret are fascinating. Dressed in the standard KLM uniform and cap, he was rarely recognized by passengers. While he would occasionally welcome passengers over the PA system, he never used his name, simply speaking on behalf of the captain and crew. The anonymity was the point; it allowed him to be treated as a colleague, not a king. This remarkable double life continued even after he ascended to the throne in 2013, a testament to his dedication to the craft.
A Tradition of Aviation
While a reigning monarch flying commercial jets is unique, an interest in aviation is not entirely uncommon among royals. In the British royal family, for example, the late Prince Philip and King Charles III were qualified pilots, often flying themselves to official engagements. However, Willem-Alexander took this passion a step further by integrating it into a regular, professional role serving the public, albeit anonymously. His commitment underscores a modern approach to monarchy, one that values personal pursuits and skills outside of traditional royal duties.
From Fokker to Boeing
The King's career as a co-pilot was tied to a specific aircraft: the Fokker 70, a short-haul jet used for European flights. When KLM decided to phase out the Fokker 70 fleet, Willem-Alexander faced a choice. Instead of hanging up his wings, he announced his intention to retrain to fly the Boeing 737, a much larger and more common aircraft in KLM's main fleet. This decision signaled his desire to continue flying for years to come, ensuring he could maintain the 150 annual flying hours required to keep his commercial pilot's license active. It was a clear statement that his role in the cockpit was more than just a passing fancy; it was a lifelong passion.