At the invitation of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are making a three-day state visit to the Netherlands.
On the evening of June 17, the King and Queen hosted a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam in honour of the Emperor and Empress. Princess Amalia, Princess Ariane, Princess Beatrix, Princess Laurentien, Princess Margriet, and Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven also attended the state banquet.
For the occasion, Empress Masako wore Princess Chichibu’s Diamond Honeysuckle Tiara, the Imperial Diamond Rivières, and the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Queen Máxima wore an evening gown by Iris van Herpen, paired with the Stuart Diamond Tiara.
For the occasion, Princess Amalia wore the Mellerio Ruby Tiara and the Order of the Chrysanthemum. Princess Ariane wore a red dress by Safiyaa with Queen Emma’s Diamond Tiara and the Order of the Precious Crown.
Princess Beatrix wore the Dutch Diamond Bandeau and the Order of the Chrysanthemum. Princess Laurentien wore a gown by Hardies Couture with the Laurel Wreath Tiara and the Order of the Precious Crown. Princess Margriet wore the Mellerio Diamond Tiara.
The ladies and gentlemen all look very beautiful, but I don’t understand why Queen (consort) Maxima the hostess has to outshine her guests by wearing the biggest tiara of all.
ReplyDeleteI view it as a mark of respect for the Emperor and Empress - sort of like the royal version of putting out the best guest towels.
Delete-Royal Watcher
It is actually not so strange. Royals will often bring out the biggest jewelry when high ranking visitors come. When the Japanese were on state visit in Sweden some 20 plus years ago queen Silvia wore the Brazilian diadem. It's not to try to outshine anyone, but rather a way of showing the importance of the visit and to honour the guests.
Delete@Anon 22:44 And why not? That's exactly the purpose of a big tiara - to outshine everyone present. No queen with any sense is going to leave a crown or tiara to gather dust in the vault 'because it's too big and will outshine the others'. It was made to be worn that size. As queen and hostess of The Netherlands, it is Maxima's privilege to wear whatever she wants at her own hosted party, and she has.
Delete(The real winners are us faceless readers, because we get to see The Stuart tTara for real, instead of wondering what it looks like gathering cobwebs in the vault, lol.)
- Anon 9:13
I agree.
DeleteSomehow for some QM never can do it right: if she’s a guest she outshines the host and when she’s the host she outshines the guests …
DeleteAll look wonderful and relaxed. I would love to see individual photos of them standing to see more details of the separate gowns
@ 05:18
DeleteI agree.
@Anon 22:44, If I take your words seriously, best solution for a good host is not to wear any diamonds for safety's sake? because even the smallest tiara could be bigger/more valuable/older etc. than that of one of her guests.
DeleteIn case you don't know. Q Max and the Empress are dear friends. Max reached out and helped the Empress during her illness and time away from Court. There is no way she's trying to show anyone up.
DeleteCjnci
22:44 Maxima is the queen and the hostess. She is not attempting to outshine. She is dressing beautifully to honour her guests.
DeleteOh my the empress looks divine in her dress. The jewels are exquisite everyone in beautiful gowns. The men so handsome. What a charming group of photos. Maximas tiara, my gosh it is so over the top. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThe dresses of all the ladies here are wonderful, but the obvious stars are the sparklers worn on every woman's head, ears and neck. Such a dazzling display of exquisite jewellery.
ReplyDeleteBack to the gowns, I love seeing E.Masako in this beautiful, colourful gown - a blue sheath with a gold/beige rose lace overlay. I don't think we've ever seen her in something like this (or at least not recently) and she looks fantastic. Her honeysuckle tiara is gorgeous, as is her diamond necklace and earrings. This whole look is even better than what she wore for their state visit to the UK.
I also like Maxima's gown (such a good fit on the bodice), and the two red gowns of Amalia and Ariane are fab. Both sisters - especially Ariane since we are seeing her at such and event for the first time - fit into their gowns perfectly. Amalia's is a re-wear I think from Princess Rajwa's wedding in Jordan, with some modifications. I also like P.Beatrice's gown and I'd love to see more of P.Laurentien's gown.
The men look very dapper too.
All in all, this evening did not disappoint in terms of clothing and jewellery.
- Anon 9:13
Great post and you captured many of thoughts exactly. I too am stunned by the jewels, especially the necklace worn by the Empress. I mean all those carats of diamonds…I don’t know if I can count that high! Everyone is dressed beautifully and so happy to see the young princess attend her first tiara event (at least I think so?) in a great red dress.
DeleteI agree, what a lovely sight to behold!
DeleteThe Empress looks exquisitely lovely; also the dress and tiara. She radiates poise and elegance. I look forward to reading everyone’s comments about the other women.
ReplyDeleteThe ladies all look fantastic. The color, fabric, and pattern of the Empress’s dress are gorgeous, and her jewelry is all stunning. Máxima wears the extremely large Stuart tiara beautifully and her dress is quite elegant and unique (in a good way). The brooch at her waist is a lovely creative use of jewelry. Both daughters look beautiful in their gowns and tiaras. Amalia in particular has the poise and presence to wear substantial jewelry with confidence, and rubies look very good on her with her coloring.
ReplyDelete-Royal Watcher
Marvellous display of tradition and history. All these tiaras have such deep roots in the House of Orange’s lineage. I think Arianne chose a beautiful tiara, with a great story for her official debut. Amalia is now a pro, like be to see her supporting her younger sister. And Maxima brought out the Stuart tiara - my oh my…!
ReplyDeleteThe Empress looks amazing, I am so happy she has found her balance and she remains close to Maxima.
Fantastic look for all the ladies and men. The Tiaras are all stunning. I would love to take peek in their jewelry boxes. The Empress has such a nice smile everyone seems to be relaxed.
ReplyDeletecss
@ css
DeleteThe tiara with diamonds and necklaces with diamonds are usually kept in safes. You won't find them in their jewelry box.
I love it when all the women are wearing tiaras!! JUMPPY HAPPY CLAPS!!! :D
ReplyDeleteHa ha best comment!!
DeleteEveryone looks wonderful. Máxima as usual can't tone it down a bit, but it is what it is (wearing her tallest tiara is kind of rude). I've always had a soft spot for Ariane; it's wonderful to see her there in a tiara & a gorgeous red gown, she looks beautiful. ~~Ruthie
ReplyDelete@ Ruthie
DeleteIt is only the 3rd or 4th time Queen Maxima is wearing the Stuart tiara. The last time she wore it was on state visit to the U.K. with Queen Elizabeth.
The kings and queens have another theory than you Ruthie. They only wear such a valuable tiara with a great history and a great value on very special ocassions. This is a very special ocassion the visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
What is 'not' toned down on Máxima? If you want her to "tone down" her tiara, then you don't understand anything about wearing tiaras when receiving or visiting other royals. And everything else on her is nothing that would "top" anybody else. - I would be so happy if commenters in this blog would stick to fashion statements instead of personal insults.
DeleteNo it is not rude. It is a way to show respect. Please learn more about tiara’s etc. Then you would have known
DeleteThanks, everybody - I stand corrected. ~~Ruthie
DeleteWhy should Queen Maxima tone it down? She is the Queen! In my opinion, some of the other royal ladies should add jewelry and pizazz to their outfits.
DeleteMasako me semble totalement épanouie. Le changement d’air lui fait du bien. Josée.
ReplyDeleteEmpress Masako's dress is beautiful; her whole ensemble is. All the ladies look lovely. Christine
ReplyDelete天皇皇后両陛下は、とてもリラックスした満ち足りた表情をしていらっしゃいますね。
ReplyDelete皇后陛下のドレスの模様はハマナスのように私には見えます。
日本の皇族には一人ずつ印が決められていて、ハマナスは皇后陛下の印なのです。
皇后陛下の繊細なティアラはから、制作した職人の技量の高さを感じます。
OK, now that I have recovered from my swoon induced by these fabulous jewels I think I can comment. Empress Masako is wearing a gorgeous gown--the lace overlay is exquisite. She looks so regal in one of her big gun all diamond tiaras and those diamonds in the riviere necklaces are another touch of elegance. I figured Queen Maxima would pull out her biggest dazzler--the Stuart Tiara--and she did. She can pull it off beautifully and she has done so tonight. I do think she should have worn a solid color gown rather than the one she is wearing as I feel that color choice shows off the Stuart to its greatest effect. As always Amalia is proving she is a real star with the big jewels in the Dutch collection--her whole look is stunning and I really like how she's placed the clasp of her necklace, What a terrific surprise Ariane has given us--she looks smashing!!! Her first tiara appearance is perfect--she is dazzling us in diamonds and I cannot wait to see more tiara appearances from her. Getting a chance to see Princess Beatrix is always a treat for me. She seems to like wearing the bandeau tiara these days and with her bouffant scaled back these days it works well for her--and she seems to wearing a matching riviere necklace. Her fabric of her gown is sumptuous--perhaps it is from one of her fabric purchases from her travels when she was queen. Another treat is the addition of Princess Laurentian in the group tonight--I haven't see her at a state dinner in forever. The Laurel Wreath tiara looks perfect on her--her short hairstyle makes it a bit problematic for tiaras but this one wonderful. Finally, Princess Margriet also attended--another rare sighting at a state banquet. I always enjoy seeing her as she has such fashion flair and tonight is no exception to that standard. Excited to see the Emperor and Empress when they host their hosts--I hope to see this same sensational line up of Dutch royals in attendance!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Your comments are a treat Janet
DeleteI really looked forward for Princess Ariane's State Banquet Debut and so glad that she did not disappoint. She looked fantastic and stole the spotlight.
ReplyDeleteAriane's dress had minimalist silhouette but the deep red color and a sculptural floral drape made her dress stand out. Ariane wore her hair down, but I liked the way her hair were tucked behind her ears, so her diamond earrings were visible, also the Queen Emma Diamond Tiara looked amazing on her. Wonderful debut.
All other royal ladies looked also really elegant and lovely. So much glitter and wonderful outfits.
Kaarin
I agree completely. I'm very impressed by Empress Masako, she really looks fantastic. The improvements on Amalias dress changed it for the better. I just love this state visit; the Emperor and Empress should do this more often (maybe twice a year, one incoming and one outgoing like most countries). Who knows!
ReplyDeleteThey all look beautiful. Nice to see lot of the Orange Nassau family jewels with the Stuart tiara as the top piece. I wonder if Maxima's dress is from the designer Iris van Herpen. Worldfamous for exploring innovative manupilation fabric techniques. A couple of years ago she had this amazing exhibition in la musée des arts decoratifs in Paris
ReplyDeleteIt is Iris van Herpen, indeed.
DeleteThe Empress looks incredibly stunning, gown and jewels, perfection.
ReplyDeleteMaxima's jewels are impeccable. Tiara, brooch, gorgeous bracelet, and earrings, faultless. Princess Margriet looks beautiful, love her tiara, suits her perfectly.
Princess Amalia looks perfection, her jewels and gown, she looked sensational. Princess Ariane looked so beautiful, again the gown and jewels, highly impressive. Princess Laurentien, her gown suits her well, lovely. Her jewels again beautiful.
The Empress so relaxed and beautiful. Amalia and her sister just lovely. And Beatrix - she is La Grande Dame, what a treasure for her country.
ReplyDeleteJe suis éblouie par tous ces bijoux en particulier le diadème d’Amalia avec les rubis que j’adore - Au niveau mode, je suis ravie de voir Masako dans cette robe imprimée ; elle est magnifique !
ReplyDeleteWouah Maxima est fabuleuse, j adore sa robe (nouvelle ?)
ReplyDeleteMa chouchoute. Ariane est magnifique.
Quel plaisir pour mes yeux tous ces diamants et ce luxe vestimentaire
Froufrou
@ Froufrou
DeleteOui, la reine Maxima a une nouvelle création d'Iris van Herpen. Il y a quelques années la reine Maxima a présenté une création semblable de cette couturière à Paris.
Ariane: lovely!
ReplyDeleteAnd Amalia, alas as often, too old for her age: the bordeaux colour, the fit of the dress and the rubies. Arianes dress is much more playfull.
Q,M, wears a wonderfull dress, as does the Empress.
Laurentien: not a head for a tiara, and Princess Beatrix: stylish as always!
I agree !
DeleteLittle Ariane grew up and looks stunning now!
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely lovely
ReplyDeleteLuna
How fabulous - all of them! P. Ariane should get married in this tiara - it suits her so well. She poses very naturally, and she looks beautiful. Wow, they grew up before our eyes.
ReplyDeleteQM looks beautiful but I agree it might have been nice to have a darker color gown for this. I do love what she's wearing though, and how it forms to her. I wonder to myself on what occasion P Amalia will wear The Stuart. Perhaps her own wedding or maybe when she becomes Queen.
The Empress looks so well put together. My favorite photo of her ever is now from this collection, when she is looking sideways. How elegant.
Is it me or is the Emperor growing to look just like his Father? :)
Thank you for posting such a luscious collection of pics - and for this blog in general!
I only comment today on Empress Masako in her gorgeous lace overlay dress. I would not have thought that floral lace can make me swoon but here I am adoring her in this gown - with the lace overlay, with the perfect neckline for her jewels, and for the 3/4 sleeves that are so much more elegant than either short or long sleeves.
ReplyDeleteWauw! This is beautiful. All the ladies look perfect. Especially Amalia and Ariane. These two are shining like real stars already. I dont know any other royal family that looks so good!!
ReplyDeleteThe Royal families of Jordan and Belgium …
DeleteWow. When do we actually get to see SEVEN tiaras at the same event? Rarely, not even for the Noble Prizes in Sweden (the most I can count, when Princess Lilian was still alive, were six - Queen Silvia, CP Victoria, Princess Madeleine, Princess Lilian, Princess Christina, Princess Sofia in her beginnings). Sometimes, when a late afternoon wedding is taking place for Scandinavian Royals, you might see more, but this, of course, doesn't happen very often. Back to the Netherlands: A nice nod to the visiting country to wear red (Princesses Amalia, Ariane, and Margriet). I am not a huge fan of the very monochromatic look on Queen Maxima, but, of course, the full Stuart Tiara is a sight to behold anyway. Princess Beatrix, as I suspected, in the Dutch Diamond Bandeau. Light to wear, good for her. More on the surprising side to me was Princess Margriet with the Mellerio Diamond Spiked Tiara (the wedding tiara of Princess Mabel). I think I have not seen her wearing it before, but I could be wrong with that assumption. That Princess Laurentien would show up in her wedding tiara (Dutch Laurel Wreath) was quite clear as well, because their 25th wedding anniversary had been just recently. Princess Ariane making her tiara debut in the Queen Emma's Diamond Tiara - a safe choice. Would I loved her to have picked the Ruby Peacock to go with her dress? Perhaps, but given that Princess Amalia went for the Rubies in the Mellerio Ruby set - well, that might have ended the internal discussion in the family. And then there is Empress Masako. Truly a class of her own this time. She really wowed me. The dress is something you'd rarely see on her. Outstandingly exquisite. To see her wear the Chichibu's Honeysuckle Tiara is the cherry on top. Very light and airy, to contrast the lace and brocade of her dress. Not to mention the double diamond rivières around her neck. I could look at the pictures for hours.
ReplyDeleteI am at a loss for words, elegance, beauty, fashion, smiles, jewels, what more could a person ask for. Perhaps princess Aiko presence would have been the cherry on top. Such a nice friendship between these families
ReplyDeleteRight. With Princesses Aiko and also Alexia in attendance, we would have been treated to nine tiaras in total. But seven sparklers were quite a good spoil already.
DeleteSo much loveliness. And so many comments pointing out that Maxima - a highly experienced and extremely well advised queen - has things wrong. Sigh. Why not just look and enjoy! Not everything needs to be judged!!!
ReplyDeletePost a Comment