:quality(80)/cdn-kiosk-api.telegraaf.nl/773e5082-e1bb-11ec-8b58-0255c322e81b.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1)
“I have no idea what I’ve started,” laughs Máxima when she arrives at the barracks in Breda on Wednesday morning. “I find it very exciting, but of course do this to support the men and women in defense and to experience what they are going through.”
Prior to the literal climax, the Queen is given a tour of the school, which has been providing all parachute training within the armed forces since 2008. In the training hall, among other things, an explanation is given about the free fall, Máxima is given a demonstration of parachute folding and she sees soldiers practicing their landing from the jumping tower.
Tandemsprong
A so-called tandem jump is planned for the queen at the end of the tour. She is attached to a specially trained paratrooper and then lands together on a parachute. Tandem master Mark is the ‘chosen one’, he jokes. Bringing the queen back to the ground safely is no small feat. “A unique experience, but I’m just as concentrated as if I had to jump with another civilian or soldier. No, I didn’t sleep less last night,” he assures.
Queen Máxima makes a parachute jump during her working visit to the Defense Para School.
Ⓒ ANP/HH
—
When the moment finally comes, the Queen seems relaxed as ever. The neat outfit and high stiletto heels have now been exchanged for safe overalls and sneakers. Determined, Máxima boards the plane at Breda International Airport. “Very cool that she is doing this,” says army spokesman Sjaak van Elten. “Sure: if we didn’t trust her, we wouldn’t have invited her.” But, admits Van Elten: “Parachuting is never without risk.”
black dot
A few minutes later a very small black dot floats above Breda: the queen and the tandem master. With a smile from ear to ear, Máxima sets foot on earth again after a jump of about four kilometers. “Of course I got more nervous as the moment got closer,” she says, full of adrenaline. “I had to tell myself: keep breathing.”
“She did a fantastic job,” says the tandem master. “Exactly as we briefed on the ground. The landing was also perfect. She can be proud of that.”
Not only Máxima found it nerve-wracking, the princesses also asked whether ‘mummy’ was really sure of the jump. “But why not!?” says the queen boldly.
—
