King Willem-Alexander and queen Maxima will get a 5% pay rise next year, taking their combined income from the state to €7.2m, broadcaster NOS said on Thursday, on the basis of the 2021 budget.

Crown princess Amalia, who turns 18 next December, will also be given an allowance of €111,000 that month, and €1.6m in 2022, NOS said.

Currently, members of the royal family receive a tax-free salary and are not required to pay gift or inheritance tax.

Prime minister Mark Rutte has repeatedly defended the royals’ tax free status, arguing that ‘a deal is a deal’.

The taxpayer also picks up the bill for security, rebuilding palaces and the former queen’s yacht De Groene Draeck. The Dutch royal family is considered to be the most expensive in Europe, and costs the taxpayer some €40m a year, excluding security.