A State Visit is just about as grand an occasion as they come, and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has dressed accordingly. In honor of tonight's banquet at Buckingham Palace, Maxima wore a regal ombre blue dress with a sheer black overlay, and the magnificent Stuart tiara. Queen Maxima, King William-Alexander, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. WPA Pool Getty Images Maxima and her husband, King Willam-Alexander of the Netherlands, are currently on a state visit to the United Kingdom, where the royals are spending time with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William, Duchess Kate, and other members of the British royal family. As expected when so many royals are in one place, there were many magnificent tiaras on display. The Stuart Tiara has a very English sounding name for a reason. Its central diamond, a rare 39.75-carat, pear-shaped, rose cut stone with a pale blue cast, once belonged to England's King William II and Queen Mary II. William and Mary, you may recall from history, were co-regents of England beginning in 1689. Mary was an English princess, the daughter of James II, and a member of the house of Stuart; William, Mary's husband and first cousin, was the Dutch-born Prince of Orange. The Stuart diamond made its home in England with the King and Queen but after they died, was returned to the Netherlands in 1702, according to the excellent blog the Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor. (It actually returned to England for a short period when Dutch King William V and his family were forced to flee to Britain following political turmoil in the 1790s. They—and their jewels—returned to the Netherlands in 1815.) Getty Images The magnificent diamond has had several different lives over the last 400 years. It was a brooch, the pendant of a necklace, and "set in a clasp" surrounded by 22 smaller diamonds. It's not until 1897 that the Stuart diamond found its current home, in a tiara designed around it for Queen Wilhelmina, King Willem-Alexander's great grandmother. According to the Court Jeweler, Wilhelmina's mother, Queen Emma, had ordered the tiara for her young daughter to wear at the investiture ceremony. "The piece is a part of a set that becomes known as the 'House Diamonds.'" Queen Wilhelmina's daughter, Queen Juliana, apparently loved the Stuart tiara. Here she is wearing it during her birthday celebration in 1962: Queen Juliana of the Netherlands at her birthday celebrations in 1962. Keystone Getty Images She wore it again 10 years later to a state banquet at Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Prince Philip, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands before a state banquet at Windsor Castle, 11th April 1972. Central Press Getty Images Queen Maxima has worn the tiara herself before, at a state banquet in Luxembourg last spring. The version she wore, however, seems to be missing the massive center stone. As the Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor pointed out, "the namesake pear-shaped Stuart diamond has been removed from the top center with a smaller substitute in its place and other large diamonds from the top have been removed." Patrick van Katwijk Getty Images This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>For her first official visit to the U.K., the Dutch monarch Queen Maxima of the Netherlands appropriately pulled out all of the stops. While she brought along her husband King Willem-Alexander as her date, her most notable companion was by far the Stuart tiara—home to the Stuart Diamond—which ended up being the star of the ballroom at Buckingham Palace during her royal banquet with Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Kate Middleton. This wasn’t the Stuart Diamond’s first trip to the U.K.: Queen Juliana also wore it on her state visit in 1972. If you’re wondering why it’s caused such a stir, the diamond has quite the history—starting with Queen Mary II’s order that it not be cut into two diamonds, as was common practice at the time, but maintain its full size, when she and her husband King William III purchased it in 1690. Alas, the diamond would only be in Queen Mary II’s possession for a few years: She died from smallpox in 1694, and upon her husband’s death in 1702, it was returned to the Netherlands, as it was thought to once be the property of the House of Orange. (Despite Mary’s sister Anne suing in protest.) It wasn’t long, though, before it returned to England, when the French army invaded the country, leading its owner, Prince Willem V, to seek asylum in the U.K., where he and his wife were informed that it was 39.75 carats. Upon their return home, the diamond was removed from its then position on a necklace and later transferred to the tiara, which King Willem-Alexander’s great grandmother, Queen Wilhelmina, wore for her coronation in 1898. Invalid Date Now that the tiara is in the hands of the Queen of the Netherlands—who is the Netherlands’ first queen consort to have been born as a commoner, as well as outside of Europe—Queen Maxima has been putting it to good use; she also wore it this past May, on a visit to Luxembourg. (Though that’s not to say she’s forgotten the rest of her extensive collection: Later that month, she wore the Dutch Diamond Bandeau, also notable for its size, to Crown Prince Frederik’s 50th birthday gala in Denmark.) Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, October 2018. Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images Queen Maxima of the Netherlands wearing the Stuart Tiara at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, October 2018. Peter Nicholls/Getty Images While she’s earned a reputation for her style—and particularly her hat collection—Queen Maxima’s original entry into the public eye was met with much controversy. Born in Buenos Aires in 1971, she met Willem-Alexander in 1999, who introduced himself simply as Alexander, leading her to believe it was a joke when he later informed him that he was a prince and heir apparent to the throne. They married in 2002—though only after the Dutch parliament investigated Maxima’s father Jorge Zorreguieta‘s reported involvement in Argentina’s so-called “Dirty War,” a military junta that led more than 30,000 people to disappear. Things have of course lightened up for Queen Maxima since, though she did face some tiara-related competition at the state banquet. Kate Middleton also made headlines for borrowing and wearing one of Queen Elizabeth II’s tiaras, bearing a marked resemblance to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana by completing her look with a pale blue dress. Kate Middleton wearing Queen Elizabeth II’s tiara at the state banquet, resembling Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Malta in 1967. John Stillwell – WPA Pool/Getty Images/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Related: Kate Middleton Borrows a Tiara and a Look From Queen Elizabeth II<doc-sep>The King and Queen of the Netherlands are currently on a state visit to the United Kingdom, where the royals are spending time with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William, Duchess Kate, and other members of the British royal family. Tonight, Queen Elizabeth is hosting a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in honor of Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima's visit. As is expected with an elaborate affair that brings royals from not one but two European countries together, the tiaras were out in full force. See every stunning tiara look from the Dutch state banquet here:<doc-sep>THE Duchess of Cambridge made a sparkling entrance to a state banquet in Buckingham Palace last night as she wore a tiara made famous by Princess Diana. Kate, 36, joined husband Prince William, 36, and other senior royals for a spectacular dinner hosted in honour of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. 18 The bejewelled Duchess of Cambridge at the banquet last night Credit: PA:Press Association 18 Princess Diana wearing the same tiara in New Zealand in April 1983 Credit: Getty - Contributor In keeping with regal protocol, female members of both the Dutch and British royal families wore ball gowns and tiaras. The duchess, who was appearing at her third state banquet, wore a dusty kingfisher blue Alexander McQueen gown - and of course that diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara favoured by Princess Diana. Kate has also worn it to the Chinese state banquet in 2015 and the Spanish state banquet last year. But it seemed she was "out-blinged" by Queen Maxima who was wearing an incredible diamond Stuart tiara. In tribute to the close links between the British and Dutch royal families, she perhaps chose to wear this fabulously jewelled ornamental band in tribute to the historical bonds between the neighbouring countries. The large stone was originally bought in late 17th century by the British monarch William III, also Netherlands's Prince of Orange, for his wife Queen Mary II. 18 Queen Maxima wore the wondrous Stuart Tiara which is symbolic of the historical bond between the neighbouring nations Credit: Reuters 18 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge earlier leaving Kensington Palace for the Buckingham Palace banquet Credit: � Max Mumby 18 The duchess makes her entrance accompanied by Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar of the Netherlands Credit: PA:Press Association 18 Kate also wore the Elizabeth II Family Order Credit: PA:Press Association Pinned to her left shoulder was the Elizabeth II Family Order is a jewel encased image of the Queen on a chartreuse yellow ribbon. Notably Her Majesty, 92, spoke publicly about Brexit for the first time. She said: “As we look toward a new partnership with Europe” the values shared by the UK and the Netherlands "are our greatest assets”. She added that as "innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future". 18 The 92-year-old Queen of Britain, Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth walked with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands as they made their way into banquet hall Credit: PA:Press Association 18 The Monarch looking radiant as she welcomes her guests who are close friends Credit: Splash News 18 VIPs Queen Maxima, left, and King Willem-Alexander with hosts Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall Credit: Reuters 18 Princess Michael of Kent resplendent in a pale green dress paired with pearl and diamond accessories Credit: PA:Press Association 18 The Duchess of Cornwall walks with His Excellency Mr Stef Blok Credit: PA:Press Association 18 Princess Mabel van Oranje-Nassau of the Netherlands walking to the hall with the Archbishop of Canterbury Credit: PA:Press Association The Queen, who remains impartial in political matters of her realm, opted to emphasise the qualities needed by the UK and its closet European neighbours going forward as her government and parliament continued to be deeply divided by the issue of Brexit. Earlier, in a speech to both Houses of Parliament, King Willem-Alexander urged the UK Government to lift the "shadow of uncertainty" hanging over Dutch nationals living in Britain and Northern Ireland after Brexit. 18 Guests from the world of government and diplomacy listen to Queen Elizabeth II at the banquet Credit: PA:Press Association In his address at the Buckingham Palace dinner, with the UK's Prime Minister Theresa May seated nearby, King Willem-Alexander said: "At present, a lot of attention is focused on the 'technical' side of Brexit. "That's understandable and necessary. "But in the midst of all that complexity we should not lose sight of the greater narrative that continues to bind us. "The greater narrative of freedom, openness and cooperation. Of growth and a prosperity whose fruits are enjoyed by all." 18 This the first time the Queen addressed Brexit in a speech Credit: PA:Press Association The Queen told the Netherlands' head of state: "I recall the state visit of your grandmother Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard in 1972, when I spoke of how our nations' close understanding and relationship would become increasingly important as a new configuration of Europe was emerging. "As we look toward a new partnership with Europe, it is our shared values and commitment to each other, that are out greatest asset, and demonstrate that even through change, our enduring alliance remains strong, and as innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future." 18 Close allies... The Queen makes a toast to one of her country's best friends Credit: PA:Press Association In her speech, the Queen also praised the close links between the UK and Holland which "greatly contributes to the economic and cultural life of Britain". She added: "The Netherlands are one of the United Kingdom's largest European investors. "We have a thriving Dutch community, and artistic and sporting exchanges are at an all-time high". King Willem-Alexander reiterated comments made before about regretting the UK's decision to leave the EU, but he respected the decision of the British people. He went on to personally praise the Queen, highlighting her now famous appearance in the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, describing her as the "most fearless Bond Girl ever" for her cameo role alongside 007 played by Daniel Craig. 18 The banquet was also attended by the British Prime Minister Theresa May, seen here with the Duke of Cambridge Credit: PA:Press Association King Willem-Alexander also told the Queen and her banquet: "In recent decades, you have seen your country, Europe and the world change enormously. "The world looks to you as a trusted beacon in the midst of upheaval. "Your ability to keep in touch with the times is striking." 18 The guest of honour King Willem-Alexander makes a speech where he paid tribute to the long serving monarch of Britain and the Commonwealth Credit: PA:Press Association<doc-sep>
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander are welcomed to UK King Willem-Alexander is making his first official state tour of the UK after ascending to the throne in 2013 follwing his mother Queen Beatrix's abdication. The Dutch royals are currently on day one of a two-day state visit to the UK. The Dutch royal family last visited Britain in 1982, when Queen Beatrix was still on the throne with husband Prince Claus. Kate Middleton was pictured arriving for the Dutch State Banquet - which is being hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace - with her husband, Prince William. And she was wearing a very special accessory - a Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara that once belonged to her husband's mother, Diana the Princess of Wales. Royal women are required to wear ballgowns and tiaras for the banquet, according to strict royal protocol. Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, also wore the Greville tiara on loan from the Queen, who was left the accessory by the Queen Mother. The Queen herself also dazzled in a long-sleeved white gown for the occasion. Protocol also says that royal ladies must wear the Elizabeth II Family Order - a jewel encased image of the Queen on a yellow ribbon which miust be worn on the left shoulder. Kate and William will meet Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander at a state banquet During the banquet, the Queen told King Willem-Alexander that "as we look toward a new partnership with Europe" the values shared by the UK and Holland "are our greatest assets". The comments come after the Dutch King spoke about Brexit in his address to the Houses of Parliament earier in the day, with the Queen usually remaining impartial in her political views. The Queen told the Dutch head of state: "I recall the state visit of your grandmother Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard in 1972, when I spoke of how our nations' close understanding and relationship would become increasingly important as a new configuration of Europe was emerging. "As we look toward a new partnership with Europe, it is our shared values and commitment to each other, that are out greatest asset, and demonstrate that even through change, our enduring alliance remains strong, and as innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future." Queen Maxima and King Willem Alexander meet the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla at the Palace Following the Queen's comments, King Willem-Alexander, seated near Prime Minister Theresa May, said: "At present, a lot of attention is focused on the 'technical' side of Brexit. "That's understandable and necessary. "But in the midst of all that complexity we should not lose sight of the greater narrative that continues to bind us. "The greater narrative of freedom, openness and cooperation. Of growth and a prosperity whose fruits are enjoyed by all." The Queen arrives for the State banquet at Buckingham Palace He went on to personally praise the Queen, highlighting her now infamous appearance in the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, describing her as the "most fearless Bond Girl ever". King willem-Alexander said: "In recent decades, you have seen your country, Europe and the world change enormously. The world looks to you as a trusted beacon in the midst of upheaval. "Your ability to keep in touch with the times is striking. You even have an adventurous streak, as you showed six years ago at the opening of the Olympic Games." In tribute to the close links between the British and Dutch royal families, Queen Maxima wore the famous tiara, from the Dutch royal collection, that featured the Stuart Diamond. Queen Maxima stunned in the Steward Tiara The Queen arrives at banquet in honour of King Willem-Alexander According to the official Royal Family twitter, 280 slices of chocolate orange torte and several types of Royal themed pastry were served at the banquet. Yesterday King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima attended lunch at Buckingham Palace before laying a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey. King Willem-Alexander and his wife met Queen Elizabeth as they arrived yesterday and kissed the British monarch on both cheeks and clasped her hands with his – a gesture that was repeated by his wife. King Willem-Alexander's mother Queen Beatrix is a distant cousin of Elizabeth II and the pair always greeted each other warmly with a kiss on the cheek. During their busy first day, Willem-Alexander and Maxima also addressed the Houses of Parliament.