Princess Ariane (19) made her first major glamorous appearance. At the state banquet in honor of the Japanese Imperial Couple Naruhito and Masako at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, the youngest daughter of King Willem-Alexander (59) and Queen Máxima (55) wore a tiara for the first time on Wednesday evening - and chose a radiant red gown for the occasion. For a princess who usually appears in more understated attire, this is a remarkable step.
Fashion expert Josine Droogendijk from "Modekoningin Máxima" was thrilled. Ariane was "truly the star of the evening", she said according to "AD". The bold color made the otherwise reserved princess truly shine.
A Tiara with a Long History
The actual highlight, however, was the tiara, as it marked a premiere. Ariane chose the diamond harp tiara, a piece that had rarely been seen in recent years. According to "De Telegraaf", it was once made for Queen Emma. Droogendijk added to "AD" that King Willem III commissioned the piece of jewelry for Emma but never saw it himself, as he had already passed away by that time.
In the Netherlands, young royals usually don't wear a tiara until they turn 18. Traditionally, the Oranges receive their own tiara for their 18th birthday - as was the case with Juliana, Beatrix, and Amalia. As a non-heir to the throne, Ariane needs such a piece of jewelry less often, but is also allowed to browse the royal vault for her public appearances.
Red from Head to Toe
Ariane's dress was from the London label Safiyaa, which her sister Amalia has also worn before. As "AD" reports, the red fabric featured only a single flower as decoration.
Crown Princess Amalia (22) also chose red, though in a more subdued dark red by Jan Taminiau. She had already worn the altered dress to the royal wedding in Jordan. She paired it with the Mellerio tiara with its rubies, which according to "De Telegraaf" is among her favorite pieces.
Queen Máxima was not to be overshadowed by her daughters. She appeared in a light-colored gown by Dutch designer Iris van Herpen and chose the largest piece from the Orange vault for her tiara - complete with the family's most valuable diamond. The large, light blue stone at the top is the world-famous Stuart Diamond, which according to both newspapers the Queen only brings out for the most significant occasions, such as the state visit to Great Britain in 2018.
In addition to the immediate family members, Princess Beatrix, Princess Laurentien, as well as Princess Margriet with her husband Pieter van Vollenhoven were also guests at the dinner. According to "AD", the menu included king crab with leek mousse, a mushroom consommé with braised veal and shiitake mushrooms, as well as beef tenderloin, followed by an almond cake with cherry blossom sauce to conclude the evening.
The fact that the princess celebrated her tiara debut at this particular occasion is likely related to the close relationship between the Dutch royal couple and the Japanese Imperial House. A visit by a Japanese Emperor to the Netherlands is considered rare - the last one, according to "De Telegraaf", was more than 25 years ago. In his speech, Willem-Alexander emphasized: "We are grateful for the deep friendship between our families. And for the unique and historic connection between our countries. A connection that began 426 years ago, in the year 1600. (...) Tonight we celebrate this friendship."
