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| Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images |
On Tuesday, the Dutch royal family gathered in The Hague for Prinsjesdag, the annual opening day of the parliamentary year. As usual, the occasion provided an opportunity to bring some beautiful jewels out of the family vaults.
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| Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images |
Prinsjesdag is one of the most tradition-filled days on the Dutch royal calendar, with royals riding in grand carriages and an unusual daytime formal dress code — that’s long dresses and hats for the ladies (not tiaras).
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| SANDER KONING/AFP/Getty Images |
Like the Queen during the British State Opening of Parliament, King Willem-Alexander sits on a throne and delivers a speech to members of the Upper and Lower Chamber in the Ridderzaal. The thrones are covered in rich fabric, and Queen Maxima wore a new Jan Taminiau this year that coordinated nicely with the deep red color of the upholstery.
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| ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/AFP/Getty Images |
Her ensemble also coordinated nicely with the red velvet hangings in the Glass Carriage, which carried the royal couple back to Noordeinde Palace for the traditional balcony appearance.
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| Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images |
During the balcony appearance, we got a great look at the jewels that Maxima paired with her new dress. Most of the pieces are part of the family’s Mellerio Ruby Parure. She wore the ruby and diamond clusters as stud earrings for the event.
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| Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images |
She also wore a portion of the grand devant de corsage from the parure…
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| Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images |
…as well as the diamond and ruby bracelet from the suite.
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| Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images |
On her left wrist, Maxima wore her diamond wedding bracelet.
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| KOEN VAN WEEL/AFP/Getty Images |
Wax ‘n Max were supported during the festivities by Prince Constantijn (the king’s younger brother) and his wife, Princess Laurentien.
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| Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images |
Laurentien wore pieces of jewelry from the family collection set with diamonds and pale pink gemstones, including dramatic earrings, a large brooch, and a substantial ring. (Here’s a good look at the same jewels, worn on a previous occasion by Queen Maxima.)
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| Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images |
She also wore one of the coordinating bangle bracelets on her right wrist.
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| BART MAAT/AFP/Getty Images |
There was also one more bejeweled member of the royal family in attendance: Princess Beatrix, who watched the carriage procession from a window. I’m intrigued by her brooch — it looks like it may be designed to look like a bee?
