Accompanied by her son Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife Maxima, Queen Beatrix takes part in a ceremony dating back to the 18th century Photo: © Rex
The full splendour of the Dutch monarchy was on display this week as the royal family led the centuries-old Prince’s Day ceremony. Streets around the Netherlands’ parliament came to a standstill as Queen Beatrix drew up to preside over its official opening in the Golden Carriage.
Reserved for the most hallowed state occasions, the gilded coach is drawn by eight horses and accompanied by royal guards dressed in 19th-century military apparel.
Though the occasion marks the presentation of the government’s policies, almost as talked about is the royal ladies’ headgear – and the very fashionable lavender worn by Crown Princess Maxima, the wife of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, attracted plenty of notice.
Tuesday’s festivities coincided with the opening of Sweden’s parliament, the Riksdag, which Crown Princess Victoria attended along with her parents, Queen Silvia and King Carl Gustaf.
The pomp and circumstance was an opportunity for the royal clan to present a united front after Victoria this week defended her father against suggestions he was blocking a possible engagement with her boyfriend Daniel Westling.
4 responses so far ↓
wil // September 19, 2008 at 3:35 am
They look like rejects for a Dune remake. Snazzy little medallions btw.
Is it just me or are they all wearing space alien masks?
Barbara Wawa last night had some execrable puff piece on the Brit Royal Mafia–just caught the end before my local newspincast.
wil // September 19, 2008 at 3:37 am
Must be part of the Thie Royal Clone Pod?
wil // September 19, 2008 at 3:53 am
They all have the same face. They need better mask makers back at the Hive HQ.
wil // September 22, 2008 at 1:17 am
*fumbles around for my “They Live” glasses…*