Vietnamese President Tô Lâm and his wife, Ngô Phương Ly, are paying a state visit to Denmark at the invitation of King Frederik and Queen Mary. On the evening of October 19, the King and Queen hosted a state banquet at Christiansborg Palace in honour of the presidential couple. Also in attendance was Crown Prince Christian.
At the state banquet, Queen Mary wore Queen Alexandrine’s sapphire jewel in its new design for the first time. The jewel was acquired by the Royal Collection and redesigned in close collaboration with the Queen. It was originally presented as a wedding gift to the future Queen Alexandrine on the occasion of her marriage to the future King Christian X in 1898.
Since then, the jewel has been worn by several generations of the royal family. Working closely with the Royal Collection and jewellery designers Diana Holstein and Hanan Emquies, Queen Mary helped give the jewel a new, fully reversible design, allowing it to be worn as a tiara, a necklace, or a brooch.
The Russian Sapphire Tiara, as it was known before its redesign, was sold at auction in 2018. It is adorned with eight Ceylon sapphires totalling 33 carats, as well as numerous diamonds. The tiara became part of the Royal Collection in 2024.
For the gala dinner, Queen Mary also reimagined a two-piece gown by Jesper Høvring, adorned with pearls and sequins, which she first wore in 2014 at the Bambi Charity Awards in Berlin. She paired a silk satin skirt by Oscar de la Renta with an asymmetrical, pearl-embellished bodice designed by Jesper Høvring.
Seeing Queen Mary wearing a Russian tiara must mealt Putin’s heart. At least the British Royal ladies have the decency not to wear the Vladimir tiara in the current political climate.
ReplyDeleteQueen Mary is really, really good with re-purposing antique jewels/tiaras. The Danish Royal Family was clearly lacking a sapphire tiara in the past (I know that Princess Marie has one at her disposal; but not Queen Mary), so she took the opportunity when this gift of the last Russian Tsar made its return to the main royal line. Well done, Your Majesty, well done! My only criticism here is about the former tiara top, which Queen Mary wore attached to a velvet wristband, and I think this was a slightly unfortunate idea as it looks like a very fancy sports sweatband this way. I'd rather had it worn as a brooch on her dress (top or belt). Otherwise - a very navy blue evening, I daresay.
ReplyDeleteAll 5 of them look lovely and dashing as befits each of them accordingly.
ReplyDeleteMary looks exquisite, having chosen a skirt and top outfit that is not overly ostentatious but still fits the bill perfectly for a state dinner. Her tiara is simply beautiful, and I mean just that - simple and beautiful.
Very nice to see CP Christian being prepped for his future role by attending some of these ceremonial events.
- Anon 9:13
Queen Mary looks stunning!!! I love this new (again) tiara too--a sapphire tiara is the perfect addition. Mary and the designers have such amazing taste. Would love to see her wear the whole thing. Cannot wait to find out about her bracelet. Aa for her completely reimagined look for the top and skirt--awesome and she her stylist are masters at this. She is always so fun to follow with the big events because she has such style. Mrs. Ly certainly has a fabulous pearl necklace highlighted by her dark gown. I would love to see more of her gown as it looks beautiful--very sparkly. Great to see CP Christian joining his parents for this state event--allowing him to learn as well as build relationships for the future.
ReplyDeleteJanet
This is a lovely "timeless elegance" look for Mary. I am pleased to see her without a high neckline (which we have seen her wear with her updos in recent years, and which I think looks rather severe on her).
ReplyDeleteMary's simple accessorising, including a small pared-back tiara, allow the gorgeous textures of the velvet and the beaded top to be appreciated. I adore that the velvet of the skirt is carried through in the velvet belt and the creative wristband with brooch! Lyra
October has been the months for state visits, and today it is Denmark's turn with a sparkling tiara debut. This occasion marks Crown Prince Christian's first attendance at a state banquet. He was definitely a refreshing pop of color among quite a somber looking bunch.
ReplyDeleteQueen Mary has proven to be reinventive once again, transforming Queen Alexandrine's Russian sapphire tiara and giving it a new look. I really love the approach her Majesty has taken on since becoming queen and giving jewelry pieces this new life. Hopefully we will get to see Princesses Isabella and Josephine sporting these pieces in the future.
Wow. In spite of his gorgeous, glamorous mother, Prince Christian is the stand out here. What a handsome young man. Queen Mary looks wonderful, though, I’m not convinced the asymmetric neckline improves the overall look. The tiara is magnificent
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