Title: Spectacular Start to Belgian State Visit: Two Queens, Two Palaces, and a Public Bath
Subtitle: A Glimpse into the Program and Royal Fashion
Date: June 20, 2023
The first day of the Belgian state visit promises to be a spectacle, with two queens, two palaces, and even a public bath. Queen Máxima’s fashion choices have also caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting event.
The state visit commenced at Brussels-South station, where the royal train arrived, greeted by the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The royal couple then proceeded to the Royal Palace for a welcome ceremony, followed by visits to the federal parliament and the prime minister.
Later in the afternoon, both royal couples were received at the town hall. A balcony scene took place, allowing the royal party to interact with Brussels residents and tourists. This unique experience, known as a “popular bath” at the Belgian court, provided an opportunity for informal encounters.
As the day progressed, King Philippe hosted a grand state banquet at the Castle of Laeken. During the banquet, both heads of state delivered speeches, adding a touch of diplomacy to the evening.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Queen Máxima’s fashion choices. She wore a two-piece silk ensemble, reminiscent of the elegant styles from the 1950s. The designer behind this stunning outfit is Edouard Vermeulen from Natan, known for his exquisite creations.
In terms of jewelry, Queen Máxima adorned a leaf-shaped diamond brooch on her right shoulder. The brooch featured a large, round pearl at the intersection of the strawberry leaves. Although a hanging, teardrop-shaped pearl was missing on this occasion, the historic jewel holds connections to King Sophie. It is often depicted being worn by the first husband of King Willem III in various paintings. The design of the brooch’s leaves is derived from the leaves of the Württemberg king’s crown.
Interestingly, the photos captured Queen Máxima carrying the brooch’s leaves both upwards and downwards. This versatile piece of jewelry added an extra touch of elegance to her ensemble.
As the Belgian state visit continues, we eagerly anticipate more captivating moments and fashion choices from the royal couple. Stay tuned for further updates on this remarkable event.
Sources:
– The Lancet: “The Belgian euthanasia law under scrutiny of the highest courts” by M De Hert
– Provided web search results
king willem and queen máxima
Eded to the Royal Palace, where they were welcomed by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. The two queens exchanged warm greetings, which was a highlight of the day.
After the initial greetings, the royal party made their way to the Atomium, a famous landmark of Brussels. The impressive structure provided a stunning backdrop as the two queens posed for photographs together. The elegance and grace of Queen Máxima and Queen Mathilde were evident as they showcased their impeccable fashion choices.
Next on the agenda was a visit to the St. Hubert Royal Galleries, a magnificent arcade in Brussels. The queens indulged in some retail therapy as they explored the upscale boutiques and admired the stunning architecture. Their visit attracted a crowd of onlookers, who eagerly snapped photos of the regal entourage.
To cool off from the summer heat, the state visit took an unexpected turn as the queens visited a public bath. This unique experience allowed the queens to interact with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of Belgian culture. Queen Máxima and Queen Mathilde were sporty and chic in their swimwear choices, proving that royal fashion knows no bounds.
The final stop of the day was the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, where the queens were treated to a private tour. The lush gardens and exquisite flowers provided a serene atmosphere, allowing the queens to relax and enjoy their surroundings.
This day marked the beginning of a truly remarkable state visit, showcasing the strong bond between the Netherlands and Belgium. The presence of two queens added an extra touch of elegance and glamour to the events. Their fashion choices were captivating, solidifying their status as style icons. As the state visit continues, royal watchers and fashion enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what is yet to come.
