Emperor Naruhito’s visit to the Netherlands with Empress Masako marks the couple’s first official trip to the country since ascending the throne, and their penultimate day has already produced a memorable collection of images. The more relaxed atmosphere of the weekend, when King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima acted as informal hosts during the World Cup match between their national teams, has given way to diplomacy at its highest level.
The state visit officially began on Wednesday with full ceremonial honors, and amid a packed schedule of institutional engagements, Queen Máxima has once again emerged as a standout style figure. For the evening event, she chose a striking red look that projected confidence and authority.
Máxima makes a statement in red, no tiara need
After a packed Thursday that saw Emperor Naruhito and King Willem-Alexander travel from the political heart of The Hague and the Mauritshuis museum to the historic halls of Leiden University, Máxima stepped into the spotlight as hostess for the evening’s events.
The majestic Rijksmuseum provided the setting for the close of the visit’s second-to-last day. The reception took place in the museum’s renowned Gallery of Honor, where the masterpieces on display shared the spotlight with the Dutch queen herself.
For the occasion, Máxima selected a dress that perfectly reflects her signature style and one she has worn before. The midi-length Natan design, from one of her go-to fashion houses, features an asymmetrical cape detail that drapes over the shoulders and falls elegantly down the back.
© Dutch Press/The Grosby GroupRendered in a vibrant shade of red, the look first debuted exactly four years ago during her state visit to Austria. On that occasion, she paired it with a Fabienne Delvigne parasisal hat adorned with decorative pins. For Thursday evening, June 18, 2026, the more understated setting called for a different approach. She wore her hair loose, kept accessories to a minimum, and embraced a monochromatic head-to-toe palette.
Máxima completed the ensemble with Gianvito Rossi pumps that combine leather and transparent PVC panels, creating the illusion of longer legs. One of the first times she wore this style was at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton 15 years ago. Then, she chose a nude version to match her dress. This time, she coordinated the shoes with her bold red ensemble.
Why red holds such power in royal wardrobes
It’s no secret that women in leadership positions are often drawn to red. Just ask Queen Letizia of Spain, whose affinity for the color was so notable that a specific shade was eventually nicknamed after her.
Máxima, Queen Mary of Denmark, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, also frequently turn to the powerful hue. According to color expert and image consultant María Moreta, the appeal goes far beyond aesthetics.
© Dutch Press/The Grosby GroupWhen asked about the role color plays in royal wardrobes, Moreta highlighted the strategic value of red: “It carries a very powerful symbolic message. It conveys strength, passion, confidence, and authority. It never goes unnoticed and immediately captures attention. If you want to stand out, choose red. It’s also associated with energy, vitality, and self-confidence.”
A 19th-century diamond and pearl brooch
Máxima clearly believes that when something works, there’s no need to reinvent it. For this appearance, she repeated the exact accessories she wore with the dress during that Austrian visit in 2022.
She carried a red python leather envelope clutch by Sophie Habsburg, the brand founded by Archduchess Sophie of Habsburg.
© Patrick van KatwijkMost notably, she pinned an impressive diamond bow brooch from her private jewelry collection to the front of her dress. Dating back to the 19th century and set in gold and silver, the piece features a diamond bow with a pear-shaped drop framed by two rows of diamonds. Suspended beneath it is a smaller pendant finished with a teardrop-shaped pearl.
She completed the look with convertible pearl earrings surrounded by diamonds, first worn in 2020. The earrings can also be styled with a larger teardrop pearl drop, a variation she occasionally favors for more formal occasions.
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