Willem-Alexander, Máxima and Family, General News Part 3 (May 2017-Aug 2020)

[HereditaryPrincess]

I might be one of the odd ones out though I have to say that I'm not a fan of the Christmas photo from the family. It feels very sombre for Christmas, almost like a funeral portrait. Seems like a lot of airbrushing has been going on too. There's a lot you could do with a royal Christmas photoshoot and have a nice, festive card.

[Somebody]

This one wasn't done as a Christmas photoshoot. It is part of the photoshoot in March for the king's 5 year reign (on April 30).

[An Ard Ri]

I had never previously seen the library of Noordeinde Palace before what a beautiful room to film the kings Christmas speech.

[HereditaryPrincess]

Originally Posted by Somebody

This one wasn't done as a Christmas photoshoot. It is part of the photoshoot in March for the king's 5 year reign (on April 30).

I’m aware of that. It was posted as a Christmas greeting on the royal family’s Instagram account and thats what I was referring to.

[Somebody]

You might have been aware but others might have thought this was a recent photoshoot, just like several people thought Amalia's recent birthday portrait was new.

The Dutch royal family doesn't seem to do christmas photoshoots, they typically pick a picture that was taken sometime throughout the year and that's fine with me. Although to me something is off with this specific picture that has to do with their eyes not being exactly aligned (that could be called nitpicking but I'm just sharing my impression).

[Tatiana Maria]

Indeed, I appreciate the details that you and other members share. As I do not closely follow many topics, I am often unaware of details which may seem evident to the members who do closely follow them.

[Duc_et_Pair]

More royals release cards without any Christmas reference. The Waleses, the Cambridges, the Sussexes, etc. The old custom of cards with a Nativity scene is sadly disappearing.

[Skippy]

I don't like the photo at all. The photo I did like was the one they used in 2016 for their Christmas greeting (where they are sitting on that bench).

[kathia_sophia]

Originally Posted by Duc_et_Pair

More royals release cards without any Christmas reference. The Waleses, the Cambridges, the Sussexes, etc. The old custom of cards with a Nativity scene is sadly disappearing.

I do like the Chritsmas environment, lights, presents, colors...But I'm not sad about the nativity scene being disappearing. There are people who don't celebrate Christmas, due to beliefs, religion, morals, whatever it is...This way their Cards "only" have the Christmas name, while the picture is "available" for everybody. I like that they are becoming universally acessible to every human being.

[Lee-Z]

Originally Posted by Skippy

On topic: I don't like the photo at all. The photo I did like was the one they used in 2016 for their Christmas greeting (where they are sitting on that bench).

This one? https://nos.nl/artikel/2149999-konin...zond-2017.html
Yes i like that one better too, not because it's more traditional (i definitely don't mind non-traditional ) but i still don't like the wax-ness of the 2018 pic

[Somebody]

On topic: I don't like the photo at all. The photo I did like was the one they used in 2016 for their Christmas greeting (where they are sitting on that bench).

What is it about the picture you don't like? Is it too polished (compared to the one you did like)?

[TLLK]

https://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/binari...f---2018px.jpg


IMO it is a lovely and regal photograph of the family. Considering the difficult year that Queen Maxima has faced in 2018, I wouldn't be surprised if they opted to use this photo as their Christmas greeting rather than take another series of pictures.

[M. Payton]

My 2 cents worth on this picture, do not like it at all. Not a happy group of people, no smiles, looks like robots standing at attention on a field waiting orders to do something....even the young girl 2nd from the last looks miserable. Oh well, to each is own......

[camelot23ca]

I appreciate the family made some effort with this photo, even though I don’t especially like the overall effect. I will say I think each individual family member looks good and the lighting and colours are flattering.

I think I get what the photographer was going for but, to me, success would have required an overall sense of gravitas that’s difficult to pull off with modern teenagers. I think WA, Maxima and Amalia look spot on and the photo would have been perfect if it was just the three of them. Amalia has a very composed and regal bearing that enables her to look natural in this kind of setting in spite of her young age. Her sisters don’t, at least not yet, and I think trying to explain to people that age what look you’re going for results in the somewhat unnatural expressions seen on the two younger A’s.

[Lee-Z]

Originally Posted by TLLK

Considering the difficult year that Queen Maxima has faced in 2018, I wouldn't be surprised if they opted to use this photo as their Christmas greeting rather than take another series of pictures.

I think they do that more often also in other years so i don't think that has to do with what kind of year they had..

[Duc_et_Pair]

Originally Posted by kathia_sophia

I do like the Chritsmas environment, lights, presents, colors...But I'm not sad about the nativity scene being disappearing. There are people who don't celebrate Christmas, due to beliefs, religion, morals, whatever it is...This way their Cards "only" have the Christmas name, while the picture is "available" for everybody. I like that they are becoming universally acessible to every human being.

Indeed, there are people who do not celebrate Christmas, but it is what it is: Christmas. We can give it all political correct names and try to avoid stepping on sensitive toes, but it is Christmas, with a Christmas tree, with Christmas cards, Christmas holidays, Christmas gifts, a Christmas Address, with a Christmas dinner and even Christmas music, Christmas films or a Christmas Circus.

[Skippy]

Originally Posted by Lee-Z

This one? https://nos.nl/artikel/2149999-konin...zond-2017.html
Yes i like that one better too, not because it's more traditional (i definitely don't mind non-traditional ) but i still don't like the wax-ness of the 2018 pic

Yes, I meant that one. It's more informal and overall just gives me a more pleasant feeling.

Formal can also give me a pleasant feeling, but this one is a miss for me.

Originally Posted by Somebody

What is it about the picture you don't like? Is it too polished (compared to the one you did like)?

I suppose it is because of what Lee-Z said, I think it is too wax doll like.

[M. Payton]

Yes Skippy, that is right on point about the picture, they look like wax dolls not of this world....just dolls sitting, waiting to be picked up and held.....you said it better then I could!

[lucien]

Originally Posted by M. Payton

Yes Skippy, that is right on point about the picture, they look like wax dolls not of this world....just dolls sitting, waiting to be picked up and held.....you said it better then I could!

They look regal,and nothing less then that.

I think I say it better then anyone could except the odd exception.
So childish to critize like kindergarten grey cells do.

Merry Christmas.

[M. Payton]

It is okay to have a different opinion, unfortunately this does not look like a very happy picture be it holiday or not. It is not meant as a criticism, just my opinion on how sad they look and doll like. Anyhow, I get where your coming from and that is okay. Happy Holidays ......