Luxembourg State Visit to Netherlands : 24-26 April 2006

[Emily]

I agree with Marengo and Maxie -- the first thing I thought when I saw the Queen in her gold evening dress was how old she looked. Could it be the color of the dress against her skin? Maybe it's not her color. But I have to say -- I really don't like any of today's day or evening outfits. Maxima's gown this evening is pretty but I think she should have used a pale blue shawl to tone with the aquamarines...or something because she has a very uncoordinated look IMO.

[Maxie]

I was wondering which language they use to conversate? German? Or just good old English?

[Marengo]

I believe the Queen held her speech in english. Maxima doesn't talk german, so I assume the talk in english as well...or maybe spanish (Maxima and Marie-Theresa)?

[Maxie]

Oh yes, of course. From time to time I tend to forget that Maxima doesn't speak German. :o

[Maxie]

More pics of the arrival and the banquet from polfoto... :)

[Beate]

Is there a link availabe to the speeches? I'd love to know what was said!
Henri and Beatrix seem to be quite clsoe, which is great to see..

[redfox6]

I agree. Most of the outfits were flops. Maxima's daytime outfit was okay, but the baloon skirt, as many have said is not flattering and the ankle strap shoes on both Maxima and Maria-Theresa were awful. The evening dress was almost as bad. The queen who looked lovely this afternoon, look awful in that color gold. Maxima's gown was okay, but the jewelry, including the tiara was terrible. Maxima has worn some of the worst tiaras I have ever seen. She is lovely, too bad. Maria-Thersa looked like she was in pain wearing that tiara, which she might have been. She didn't look elegant, I have seen her look much better. She has a beautiful face. She is a bit chunky and needs to stick to simple, elongated lines. You would think that someone would advise them on how to look their best.

[christinacg]

I LOVE that Maria Teresa is wearing that tiara! We havent seen it in awhile I dont think. I think she looks great in it.

[suturegeisha]

My two cents [clothing-wise]:
Maria Teresa and Maxima both looked wonderful in their day outfits! They are both such elegant ladies. I like Maxima more and more and more as time goes on! :-D
As far as the gala dinner, I agree that it would have been nice to see some different jewels on the Queen, but she looked great nonetheless. Her gown was amazing.
Maxima's gown was very nice, the color was great on her. I don't much care for strapless gowns, but meh. Also, the aquamarine parure looked kind of strange with the color of her gown- I would have went with something with amethysts in it myself....XD
The Grand Duchess' gown was gorgeous and she looked wonderful! However, I hate that tiara on her. Grand Duchess Charlotte looked great in it, Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte could just about pull it off with her regal bearing, but it is too large to suit Maria-Teresa IMO. Something a little smaller- like the Chaumet pearl tiara- would have looked better, I think.
Princess Margiet looked wonderful, like she always does....:-D

....I must say, I was really excited for this state visit. We've been so starved for tiaras for so long! XD

[stellad]

Do these Royal ladies have personal stylists? If not they should employ one soon. Maxima's balloon dress!!!!!! Marie Teresa looked lovely in her gala dinner outfit. The Queen looked as if her outfit was too heavy to wear.

Stellad

[GlitteringTiaras]

Originally Posted by stellad

Do these Royal ladies have personal stylists? If not they should employ one soon. Maxima's balloon dress!!!!!! Marie Teresa looked lovely in her gala dinner outfit. The Queen looked as if her outfit was too heavy to wear.

Stellad

I would imagine they do. Remember what you think is stylish may not be so for another.

[mandyy]

1 more state banquet photo from Getty images

[AnaM]

The Grand Duchess does look a bit pale in the gala pictures. I think it would also do her good if she were to sit up straight. In the picture of her sitting with Queen Beatrix she looks as if she were slumped down in the chair.
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums...6&d=1145943751

[purple_platinum]

more from Day 1 in Leiden (from DPA)

[purple_platinum]

more from DPA, seegerpress, and ANP

[purple_platinum]

Pictures without watermark of the Gala Banquet from ANP



May i ask what sash are they wearing? Has Willem-Alexander & Maxima receive the Luxembourg Order?

I'm noticing the Queen is wearing her sash underneath the embroidered layer of her dress, nice way to cover up..

[purple_platinum]

more from ANP :

[Maxie]

Jess, you're the best! Thank you for the pics! :)
I think it's the Luxembourgian (did I spell that right?) sash they're wearing, but I guess that it's more safe to ask someone who's more into sashes... :p

[Marengo]

Originally Posted by Maxie

Jess, you're the best! Thank you for the pics! :)
I think it's the Luxembourgian (did I spell that right?) sash they're wearing, but I guess that it's more safe to ask someone who's more into sashes... :p

I read on the Benelux royals MB that it is the highest order of the Nassau family they are wearing and not the highest Luxembourgian order.

[GömdNatt]

Originally Posted by Marengo

I read on the Benelux royals MB that it is the highest order of the Nassau family they are wearing and not the highest Luxembourgian order.

actually...The dutch royal family is wearing the Second highest Luxembourg orger, the Civil and Military Order of Merit of Adolph of Nassau. Maria and Henri are wearing the highest Dutch order, The Grand Cross of the Order of The Lion of the Netherlands.