Queen Máxima of the Netherlands stepped out in a striking Valentino jumpsuit at the King Willem I Awards ceremony. Complimenting her look were some of the most emblematic pieces from the Dutch royal jewel collection. Máxima’s appearance comes on the heels of a difficult few weeks, with her recently addressing her mother’s dementia diagnosis to the public.
A Night of Entrepreneurial Recognition
The King Willem I Prize is the Netherlands’ most prestigious and independent entrepreneurial award. Presented every two years since 1958, the prizes recognize courageous, resilient, and sustainable entrepreneurship across three categories.
Since 2014, Queen Máxima has served as the honorary president of the King Willem I Foundation, making her the royal presence at the ceremony. For this outing, the Queen chose some of her most beloved pieces from the royal collection, with the red of the jewels becoming the perfect companion to her Valentino look.
© Dutch Press/The Grosby GroupQueen Máxima’s Ruby Flower Earrings
Among the standout pieces were the ruby flower earrings. Each consisting of three diamond floral clusters featuring a ruby surrounded by 55 modern-cut diamonds, the earrings can be worn in varying lengths, a design detail that speaks to the care and craftsmanship that went into their making.
The earrings were acquired by Queen Máxima around the time of King Willem-Alexander’s accession in 2013, first appearing on the couple’s first trip to the Dutch Antilles as King and Queen. It was a symbolic visit for the couple, marking a new chapter in the history of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The earrings have since accompanied the Queen on many notable occasions, including the 50th birthday celebration of King Willem-Alexander.
© Getty ImagesThe Mellerio Ruby Bracelet
Another piece that was used was a bracelet from the Mellerio Ruby Parure, one of the most storied pieces in the Dutch royal collection. The piece has a rich history; in December 1888, King Willem III commissioned a suite of jewels from the celebrated French firm Mellerio dits Meller as a Christmas gift for his wife, Queen Emma. The set included a tiara, necklace, bracelet, brooch, stomacher, earrings, and a fan.
After Queen Emma’s death, Queen Wilhelmina inherited the parure, and subsequent generations of Dutch queens have continued to wear it for special occasions.
True to form, Queen Máxima let her clothes and jewelry do the talking, selecting pieces that carried centuries of Dutch royal history into the room
© Getty ImagesQueen Máxima addresses her mother’s health for the first time
Earlier this month, Queen Maxima discussed her mother’s health for the first time. In an appearance in Limburg, the Queen spoke with caregivers, friends, and family members of people struggling with different conditions. She revealed that her mother, María del Carmen Cerruti, is suffering from dementia. “My mother also has dementia; it’s a very painful situation,” she said.
While the Queen is based in the Netherlands, she still visits her hometown of Argentina whenever she can. In 2024, Queen Máxima traveled to Rio de Plata to celebrate her mother’s 80th birthday.
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