Dutch Princesses Show ‘New’ Jewels During Chilean State Visit

Last night princess Máxima and princess Margriet of The Netherlands surprised royalty watchers by their choice of jewelry during the gala dinner for Michelle Bachelet, president of Chile. Princess Máxima wore some new diamond earrings that were never seen before. She combined these earrings with older items like the rose cut bandeau and Queen Juliana’s diamond watch. Princess Margriet however had the biggest surprise of the night, she wore the sapphire necklace of queen Emma’s sapphire parure as tiara and added some sapphire prongs on top. The necklace had not been seen since 1981.

President Michelle Bachelet pays a state visit to The Netherlands from 25 to 27 May. Yesterday morning she was received on Rotterdam Airport by state secretar Frans Tmmermans (European Affairs). After which the president went to Palace Noordeinde in The Hague where she was welcomed by HM the Queen.

In the afternoon president Bachelet went to Leiden University where she received the William of Orange medal. The president also signed a few ‘Memoranda of Understanding’ and spoke about democracy in South America. Michelle Bachelet was escorted by queen Beatrix and princess Máxima.

In the evening queen Beatrix offered her guest a gala dinner at Noordeinde palace in The Hague. President Bachelet wore the grand cross in the order of Orange Nassau for the occassion while the Dutch royals wore the Chilean order of Merit. The dinner was attended by Queen Beatrix, princess Máxima, princess Margriet and Prof. Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven. The prince of Orange was unable to attend as he is in Bulgaria at the moment.

Today the president continues her state visit in Amsterdam, where she will lay a wreath at the national memorial and will receive the Cilean community in the Beurs van Berlage.

More information about Dutch jewels can be found on this website.

Filed under The Netherlands
Tagged Chile, Jewellery, President Bachelet of Chile, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Prof. Pieter van Vollenhoven, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, State Visit, Tiaras.