Like any proud mother, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands makes no secret of her desire to see her daughter, Princess Amalia, shine at important events.
And while Maxima is known for her impeccable style, she knows all too well when to step back to let her firstborn step into the spotlight, especially since Amalia is the future queen of the Netherlands.
This was evident during a gala dinner held Wednesday at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, where the royal family presided over an event honoring the Council of State.
Queen Maxima in a Valentino Lace Dress at Royal Gala Dinner
While the etiquette marked gala dress for the ladies, Maxima, aware that her daughter would be the main protagonist, decided to wear a dress that she had already worn on other occasions: a Valentino design in pastel blue, with lace and a layered skirt.
This elegant outfit was the perfect choice to avoid stealing the spotlight from Amalia, who dazzled in a spectacular blue dress by Alex Perry, adorned with historic jewels of the Orange family.
Maxima had debuted her Valentino gown in 2011 and wore it again ten years later on a state visit to Germany.
The queen complemented her look with stunning jewelry, an aquamarine necklace and long earrings, which once belonged to her grandmother, Queen Juliana.
Juliana was a great lover of aquamarines, and this particular set has a special value, as it includes two briolette-cut stones that were given to her by the mother of Prince Bernardo, Juliana’s husband, as a wedding gift.
While Maxima rescued a familiar dress, Amalia shined in a new choice by Alex Perry. With a square neckline and a dramatic silhouette, her dress was the center of attention, thanks also to her mother’s wise decision not to outshine her daughter.