Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Princess Catharina-Amalia continue to draw attention for their shared use of historic royal jewels, particularly two significant tiaras that have become symbolic of continuity between mother and daughter.
At the center of recent royal appearances is the Ruby Peacock Tiara, a historic piece commissioned in 1897 by Queen Emma from jeweler Schürmann & Co.
The design features rubies arranged in a peacock-tail motif and originally formed part of a larger parure that also includes a necklace and stomacher. Over time, the set moved in and out of public view and was even believed by some to have been lost before reappearing in modern royal use.
Queen Máxima brought the tiara back into regular rotation in 2009, and it has since become one of her most recognizable formal pieces. She wore it again at the Diplomatic Corps Gala in Amsterdam in April 2026, pairing it with a bright pink Natan gown and the matching ruby necklace, reinforcing its role as a key ceremonial jewel for major state events.
© Patrick van KatwijkPrincess Catharina-Amalia has also embraced the Ruby Peacock Tiara as part of her growing royal role. She first wore it publicly in 2024 during a state banquet for visiting foreign royals, marking one of her early formal tiara appearances as heir to the throne. She also wore it at another high-profile state banquet the same year, confirming its place as one of her signature pieces.
© Patrick van KatwijkThe tiara holds additional personal significance for Amalia. She was photographed trying it on as a child in her mother’s dressing room in 2012, and has previously spoken about her fascination with royal jewels. In her biography, she expressed her enthusiasm for tiaras, saying, “I love tiaras.” She also described how she became familiar with the royal collection from a young age, often recognizing pieces worn by European royals.
© KOEN VAN WEELAlongside the Ruby Peacock Tiara, another key heirloom in the Dutch royal collection is the Dutch Diamond Bandeau Tiara. This piece, created from a necklace originally given to Queen Emma in 1879, contains over 100 carats of diamonds and has become one of Queen Máxima’s most frequently worn tiaras for official engagements. Its adaptability and long royal history have made it a staple of modern Dutch royal appearances.
© Patrick van KatwijkPrincess Amalia made her official debut in the Dutch Diamond Bandeau in December 2025 at a state banquet, wearing it with a yellow gown and a large yellow diamond necklace. The appearance marked a major milestone in her transition into formal royal duties. She has also worn the tiara on other state occasions, further linking her public image to historic royal heritage.
© Patrick van KatwijkBeyond individual jewels, Máxima and Amalia are also known for their shared approach to fashion. Their “shared wardrobe” tradition has become a recognizable feature of the Dutch royal family.
Amalia frequently borrows items from her mother’s closet, including statement pieces such as a red Valentino cape worn during official engagements in 2025 and other historic garments that have passed through multiple generations of the family.
© Danny MartindaleTheir style, however, is not identical. Queen Máxima often favors bold colors and dramatic silhouettes, while Princess Amalia tends toward more understated tones such as navy and black, giving her looks a more restrained and modern feel. She also adapts borrowed pieces in a younger style, often simplifying accessories and wearing her hair in a more natural, relaxed way.
© Sean GallupTogether, these shared jewels and garments highlight a broader theme within the Dutch royal family, and that is the blending of tradition and modern identity. Historic pieces like the Ruby Peacock and Dutch Diamond Bandeau tiaras are not only preserved as heirlooms but actively worn across generations, reinforcing both continuity and evolving personal style within the monarchy.
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