On Thursday evening, July 2, 2026, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended the Dutch National Ballet Gala, held in honour of the retirement of Artistic Director Ted Brandsen. The gala paid tribute to Brandsen's achievements after more than two decades of leading the ballet company, which he had directed since 2003. The event took place at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam.
The evening traditionally opened with the Grand Défilé, featuring more than 250 dancers from the Junior Company, the Dutch National Ballet and students of the Dutch National Ballet Academy performing together on stage. The remainder of the gala was specially curated to celebrate Ted Brandsen's artistic vision and his outstanding contribution to the company.
I prefer the wearing of this red gown in the small photo. Contrasting colored clutch, and the diamond and ruby necklace, and accompanying earrings. It lightened the overall look in contrast to the red block color. Maxima's hair also looked lovely at that wearing of this gown.
ReplyDeleteHi Ava.
DeleteI agree with everything that you have written as is nearly always the case.
Further to that you always express your thoughts in a such a diplomatic way ie constructive criticism where it is needed.
Kind regards Cate.
I agree.
Delete-Royal Watcher
I agree with all your points.
DeleteFully agree with you. The jewellery and the hair make a world of a difference. The dress needs to be styled right, and since it lacks any structure in itself and basically just hangs down, it needs some contrasting element, both colourwise and stylewise. Instead, hair and earrings just hang on her too this time - and the red accessories (clutch, earrings, nails) are too much.
DeleteAs this is hardly a dress it sakes for some jewelry to lighten it up.
ReplyDeleteThe neckline is too tight when left bare.
This is Maxima, less jewelery is a good thing! its refreshing to see her simply well dressed.
DeleteSakes= asks
DeleteMagnifique
ReplyDeleteFroufrou
A gorgeously beautiful gown on Maxima, especially the deep red colour. All that's missing is a bit of sparkle. The bracelet is not enough.
ReplyDelete- Anon 9:13
Merveilleuse robe cape rouge que Maxima a su égayer avec de beaux bijoux !
ReplyDeleteThe dress is nice and suits her perfectly.
ReplyDeleteUsually I don't have a serious problem with Máxima's hairstyle (because I value the statement it seems to imply. ("There are better things to do than waste precious time applying/caring for extensions and hairstyle in general" - and she does a lot of good engagements) . But in this case, the long vertical lines of hair don't go well with the long vertical lines of the gown. A simply ponytail or a bun would have been much better. I would not vote for a necklace with this dress, it would take away the serious drama it brings along.
ReplyDeleteThis actually looks really comfortable! Seems she’s paired it with flat sandals (?) - lovely and relaxed and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteQueen Maxima is wearing the bracelet of the Mellerio parure (rubis and diamonds). I cannot see it very well but it looks like she is wearing wine red phantasy earrings. Lately she is dressing often "less is more". Maybe because she receives so much critics when she is wearing on a state visit a big tiara and lots of jewelry.
ReplyDeleteNot sure this is my favorite styling. The long earrings and clutch in the same color are getting lost so there’s nothing to focus on but a large rectangle of fabric. Maybe an updo with big sparkling earrings or necklace would be nice.
ReplyDelete`Hardly a dress` - I agree. It is nothing more than a load of fabric flung over the body - shapeless, boring and not a particularly nice colour. Jewellery may have helped. Open toed shoes/sandals such a no,no!
ReplyDeleteI happen to like this gown on Queen Maxima as the color is great for her. I have to admit I'm really surprised she was so conservative with her jewelry--very unlike her. This was a black tie event so the everyday hair is also a surprise. I think adding a bold necklace would have improved her overall look. I'm not saying the necklace had to be from the ruby parure even though she is wearing the bracelet--Maxima certainly has the jewelry box to choose from lots of necklaces. The dress needs something at the neckline because its plain style is the perfect background for a statement piece. Kind of a rare miss for Maxima in terms of jewelry but the gown is still wonderful on her.
ReplyDeleteJanet
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