A ceremonial day in Luxembourg, dedicated to the change of monarch, concluded with a splendid gala dinner. In the Grand Ducal Palace, the historic heart of the capital, the crème de la crème of European aristocracy gathered. The audience was abuzz with anticipation for a parade of luxurious gowns and family jewels, though not all hopes for a dazzling display were fully met. The main intrigue of the evening was an unspoken battle of styles.
The new Grand Duchess Stéphanie made a choice that puzzled fashion critics. She appeared at the banquet in the same Elie Saab gown she had worn at the morning ceremony. While the dress itself was elegant, its reuse for such a significant evening occasion was seen as overly modest. Her look was complemented by the Belgian Scroll tiara adorned with Congolese diamonds, a gift from Société Générale bank, though even that nearly faded against her voluminous hairstyle.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium demonstrated exquisite taste by choosing an Armani Privé gown in a wine shade, with a neckline considered rather bold for royalty. Her head was crowned by the Nine Provinces tiara, a major relic of the Belgian crown. But even this flawless appearance was overshadowed by the arrival of members of the Dutch royal family. Queen Máxima caused a real sensation.
Her appearance can be described in one word – triumph. Máxima chose the most impressive and tallest tiara of the evening – the famous sapphire parure, which she had already worn on the day of her husband’s enthronement in 2013. It was complemented by large earrings, a bracelet, and a bow-shaped brooch topped with a gigantic sapphire. All this splendor framed a dress made of dark blue lace over an ochre background. The outfit was simple in cut but made a lasting impression, showcasing strength and status.
The only one who managed to rival the radiant Máxima was her own daughter. Princess Amalia, the future Queen of the Netherlands, appeared for the first time as a true fairytale princess. Her Monique Lhuillier gown in moss green, covered with sequins, seemed to be woven from stardust. The off-the-shoulder design, with airy tulle sleeves and a voluminous skirt, looked stunning. The heir’s head was adorned with the delicate Queen Emma tiara from 1890, whose diamond rosettes perfectly matched the sparkle of her dress.
Against this backdrop, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, dressed in a gown by Jenny Packham—Kate Middleton’s favorite designer—looked rather modest. Although her floral-motif tiara had a certain romantic flair, her look was marred by an oversized chignon that, frankly, did not quite suit someone so young. Interestingly, it was not the arrival of the monarchs that drew the most excitement from the public, but the arrival of the French President and his wife. Brigitte Macron, a close friend of the Luxembourg royal couple, received a storm of applause, yet again affirming her status as a style icon.
