By Charlotte Reid 
She attended the gala dinner at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg to mark the enthronement of the new Grand Duke William.
It was a very important day in Luxembourg’s calendar, as the country undoubtedly experienced a historic day with the abdication of Grand Duke Henri, who is being replaced by his son William. After a morning full of emotional and solemn events, the day was rounded off with a gala dinner attended by leaders from neighbouring countries. Maxima and Amalia of the Netherlands were two of the most eagerly awaited guests in terms of fashion, as they always get their outfits right, especially at such important events as this. They did not disappoint and literally shone in their stunning dresses and spectacular tiaras.
After her daughter posed alongside Elisabeth of Belgium upon their arrival at the banquet, the Queen walked the red carpet at the Grand Ducal Palace on the arm of her husband, revealing the stunning look she had chosen for this historic evening.
True to her style and her mastery of incorporating the most daring trends into her looks without sacrificing the elegance characteristic of royalty or the strict protocol required for a gala event, she opted for a dress with an optical effect and faux transparencies. It is a sleeveless piece with a rounded neckline, fitted bodice and flared skirt finished in a train, made from a fabric that plays tricks on the eye.
With a transparent tulle base, it features navy blue floral motifs that leave small empty spaces and, at first glance, it seems as if the Queen’s body is visible, but this is not entirely the case. It is true that this effect does occur in the collarbone area, but from the chest down, it incorporates a lining in the same colour as the skin to avoid revealing more than desired. This is not the first time Máxima has chosen designs with this type of effect, which are innovative and daring as well as sophisticated.
A historic tiara
Máxima has retrieved one of the most impressive pieces from the royal jewellery collection, which has great sentimental value for her, as it was the one she wore at the coronation of King Willem-Alexander on 30 April 2013. The tiara dates back to 1867 and was originally designed by the Parisian jeweller Mellerio dits Meller and acquired by King William III in 1881. He wanted this treasure to be a gift for his wife, Queen Emma.
The creation was made with 31 Kashmir sapphires and 655 South African diamonds. Particularly striking is the enormous 44-carat central sapphire, which was originally a brooch. It is made using the pampille en tremblant technique, i.e. mounted on a very fine spring that allows it to vibrate with the slightest movement, producing an even more spectacular sparkle when the light hits the diamonds.
She completed the look with large dangling earrings, also made of diamonds and sapphires (although different from those she wore at her husband’s coronation), a matching bracelet and a large brooch placed in the centre of her chest to give it a prominent role in the look.