Princess Máxima, Current Events 2 (May - October 2006)

[Marengo]

To be honest, the Crownprince has numerous events of his own. They are covered by newspapers as well, but here on these boards they are not as popular, and thus we see less pictures of him. I guess another grey suit is not as exciting as looking at Maxima's wardrobe :)
When I see the couple together it is Maxima who gets most attention, but it is not as visibly of-key as with Charles-Diana. And apart from that, the Crownprince really doesn't seem to mind, instead he visibly enjoys to see how his wife won over the dutch hearts...

[Maxie]

Yes, that's true, Marengo. Last week he visit the coast and the east of the Netherlands. Didn't see any pics of these visits here. I guess I have to search for them, so people can see that he's busy too. :)

[PreDoc]

I just learned that Maxima was born in 1971, and am a bit shocked. Don't get me wrong, she is a very attractive woman and my heart goes out to anybody who chooses to marry into a royal family, but her skin just looks so much older.

Did she have a rough childhood, or is she very stressed, or is there another reason? I don't know much about her, so sorry if this question has already been raised in the past. Thanks!

[EmmieLou]

Originally Posted by PreDoc

I just learned that Maxima was born in 1971, and am a bit shocked. Don't get me wrong, she is a very attractive woman and my heart goes out to anybody who chooses to marry into a royal family, but her skin just looks so much older.

Did she have a rough childhood, or is she very stressed, or is there another reason? I don't know much about her, so sorry if this question has already been raised in the past. Thanks!

I think she comes across more mature, the way she dresses etc and probably her skin has aged due to too much sun.

I too was a little shocked when i first found out her age, I think she could pass for late 30's.

I don't mean that she looks really bad or anything, she has a smile that is very special but she just comes across as older than her years.

When I think of Princess Mary of Denmark or even Mette-Marit or Norway I think of young women, there is something more mature about Maxima.

[prinsesbeagle]

Funny you should say that, because I think Mary looks sort of 'old' due to her clothes and her smile not really radiating warmth. As for Maxima's skin: too much sun. But there are also other reasons imho why she seems more mature: her charisma, she just comes across as a warm, grown-up, mature and smart woman, instead of a 'girl'. And since shes nearly 35, that only seems logical to me.

The reasons she held a short speech - other people did as well - is because one of the recipients is seen as the founder of the Micro Credit system. So it was only logical for her to say something, and not other members of the RF.

[Vanesa]

I think that Maxima exposes her too much to sun. She has a blonde skin, and it can't take the sun so easily. I said this for I have the same problem. But since I don't like to be exposed to the sun , I have the sking ina quite good condition...(Hehe) :p

Vanesa.

[Marengo]

Actually I do not think she looks older then her age, she just looks her age. It's true that her skin might not be flawless, but it isn't that shocking either (not to me any way). Some of her clothes do make her look a bit older, but in over-all I don't think her style is to heavy. We also have to take in consideration that she can not wear to 'open' clothes and that she doesn't have the mannequin figure of Mary and Letizia.
I agree with prinsesbeagle that the way she carries her self seems amture, confiden, charismatic and not girly. Which is normal for a (carreer)woman of her age.

[Orianna]

I was about to say the same thing Marengo, I dont think its her skin, yes she has freckles and when she smiles you can see some wrinkles but i think that´s pretty normal for all of us human beings.
I think it is more about her clothes that gives her a mature when she is in The Netherlands, maybe for protocol rules. I read in many boards that everytime she is in Argentina she looks happier but take a look at the clothes she wears. It make her looks much younger.

[carlota]

the reason for maxima's skin is definetely that sun in south america is far more scorching, abrassing than in any countries of europe, let alone the netherlands. even when she was the prince's fiance, her skin was quite damaged. moreover, having lived in south america, i would say most of the ladies there are not very concerned about the long term bad effects of sun, and actually don't really bother too much because of those little stains that the skin gets when there is a lot of sun exposure. it's something that actually looks good for them. i don't want to offend anyone, i lived there quite a lot of years ago, and perhaps now "sun fashion" changed. i'm talking about my experience at that time.

i also noticed a big change in maxima's wardrobe from the initial time as fiance to when she married and about a year after that and now, from young, original and chic-er outfits to probably a more protocolar and distinctive wardrobe. it definetely is a more "mature" style (perhaps showing adaptation to her role, i have the impression she is taking a lot of hints from her mother in law, the queen), which is in my opinion what gives her that mature look. i wish sometimes she wore more outfits as in the beginning, make a combination of both styles, since she will have a lot of time to wear the mature ones...

[ap3]

I don't think it's her clothes which are too blame. Obviously her position requires consideration, but Maxima is noted for her love of colors and somewhat flamboyant style. Let's not forget that gorgeous red dress from the King of Sweden's brithday party. Compared to the other crown princesses, she dresses flamboyantly, and IMO, "young".

I think Maxima's skin look older than her years, because of sun damage - spots, and a slightly leather-y look, esp when she tans. I wish she would get some of the available facial treatments (microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, etc) to help. I know it sounds shallow to talk about skin, but I think it's as much a part of her appearance as her wardrobe or hair, for example, and equally up for discussion.

Having said that, I really like her causes and warm manner. And a great complexion and wardrobe cannot make up for a lack of substance.

[grevinnan]

Freckled skin tend to look "older" than pale skin. All of Maxima excudes energy and cheerfulness. Her mature look is just part of who she is.

[Maxie]

Originally Posted by grevinnan

Freckled skin tend to look "older" than pale skin.

Oh dear. Poor me.

As for Maxima's clothing: I think most of the time it really suits her very well, though I've seen a change too (like Carlota metioned before). My mother and I tend to call it 'the hand of Beatrix', if you know what I mean.

[princess olga]

I agree with most posters above re. Maxima looking her age.
I for one think she looks exactly her age. In most pictures, that is. Some pictures of her show a distinct resemblance with Beatrix--hence, perhaps the comments on Maxima looking older than she is.
The other thing is that she seems to NOT resort to 'outside help' as in, plastic surgery and the like. Queen Rania, as many know, looks incredible but then one could argue she's in effect bought some of her stunning looks.

Not so Maxima. She might show the results of some of the damage that living life has done to her skin--what with chasing the sun in 10-plus vacations annually early on in her marriage, to being known for smoking like a chimney-- but at least she is not afraid to just be herself, at whatever age. Thank goodness for that. The Dutch are lucky to get a queen who acts and looks her own age.

[Her_Majesty]

Maxima looks great for her age. I don't think she looks extremely old or something like that.
I usually like her collection of hats, but the last one didn't really fit to her outfit. (the purple one). I don't know but it looks a bit too huge... looks a bit strange to me.

[seto]

I think she is lovely and am happy she is letting nature take its course. There is nothing wrong with looking your age. She is not an actress or a model but a princess surgery or any type of cosmetic help would not to me be a good thing. She is criticized for looking her age how much would she get for having work done. :)

[sm1939]

Originally Posted by seto

I think she is lovely and am happy she is letting nature take its course. There is nothing wrong with looking your age. She is not an actress or a model but a princess surgery or any type of cosmetic help would not to me be a good thing. She is criticized for looking her age how much would she get for having work done. :)

I agree with you , she looks fab for her age, rather her look the ways she does, than her trying to look like somthing she isnt!

[fanletizia]

16-05-2006 Princess Maxima a students Meeting at The "Heineken Experience" a day before her 35th birthday and posed of her comming birthday.

from PPE

[Adry]

ANP

[popje]

Maxima is beautiful like always.

[Marengo]

The jacket is just great (as is her smile)!