On Monday evening, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands hosted a white-tie dinner at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam in honor of the Diplomatic Corps. The event, a highly anticipated affair in the Dutch royal calendar, showcased the royal couple’s impeccable style and attention to tradition.
The King, donning a formal black suit, accessorized with various medals and decorations, including the distinctive sash and star of the Military William Order—the Netherlands’ oldest and most prestigious chivalric order.
Queen Máxima turned heads in a stunning Jan Taminiau gown, which featured intricate floral-inspired beading. The dress, which she first debuted in 2010 at Prinsjesdag, was also worn by the Queen during a state visit to Qatar in 2011. For this occasion, Queen Máxima paired the gown with an iconic piece from the Dutch royal collection: the Antique Pearl Tiara. The tiara, which has been in the royal vaults for 125 years, was originally crafted for Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands in 1900, drawing inspiration from an earlier piece worn by Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna of Russia, Queen Wilhelmina’s grandmother. Notably, the tiara incorporates pearls dating back to the 17th century, originally part of the collection of Amalia of Solms-Braunfels, the German countess who married Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, in 1625.
The Antique Pearl Tiara became a cherished piece in the Dutch royal collection and was placed in the family’s jewel foundation by Queen Juliana in the 1960s. During that period, it was frequently worn by her daughters, including Princess Beatrix, who donned the tiara at a 1961 state visit from Austria. Today, Queen Máxima is the primary wearer of the tiara, though it remains available for use by other members of the royal family.
Máxima first wore the tiara in 2001, attending the wedding of Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Norway in Oslo. On that occasion, she opted for the tiara’s diamond base without the antique pearls. In recent years, however, the Queen has favored wearing the full tiara, including the striking pearls, which she wore in a memorable 2011 portrait celebrating her 40th birthday.
For the Diplomatic Corps dinner, Queen Máxima completed her ensemble with a selection of exquisite pearl jewelry. She wore long diamond earrings from Queen Juliana’s collection, paired with natural pear-shaped pearl pendants, which also belong to the Dutch royal vaults. A large, modern diamond and pearl cluster ring was worn on her right hand, complementing the rest of her jewelry. Her engagement and wedding rings remained in their usual place on her left hand.
The evening’s elegant display of royal attire not only honored the diplomatic community but also showcased the Netherlands’ rich royal heritage, blending tradition and modernity through the queen’s choice of attire and jewels.
