The moment she stepped out at her wedding in 2002 wearing a breathtaking Valentino haute couture gown made of ivory Mikado silk and featuring a five metre long train with panels of delicate embroidered lace, Princess Maxima of the Netherlands was firmly on fashion fans' style watch. So fashionistas will be delighted with the news that the Argentinian-born investment banker is set to become Queen of the Netherlands when her husband Willem-Alexander takes up the Dutch throne on April 30, meaning she is bound to up her sartorial game even further with the promotion.
But while we wait to see how her style changes, let's take a look at her best ensembles so far. Since her wedding, Maxima has wowed the world with a ladylike wardrobe that combines an on-trend, experimental aesthetic with a clear notion of dressing appropriately for her role. All eyes were on Maxima in 2010, as she stepped out in a stunning floral-embroidered fishtail gown as she attended the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria Of Sweden And Daniel Westling at Stockholm Cathedral with her husband in 2010. And the blonde beauty was on dazzling form in 2011 as she swept up to Berlin's Bellevue Palace for an evening banquet, looking elegant in a floor-length blush-hued gown, her look topped off by a sparkling tiara, diamond earrings and bracelet.
Also in 2011, Maxima was a ray of sunshine as she turned out to celebrate the Monaco royal wedding in an elegant, orange dress with rosette detailing. For her 40th birthday, Maxima stunned guests in her flowing gown with a dusky tangerine hue. The bubbly blonde paired her beautiful, floor-sweeping creation with a silver clutch and delicate jewellery comprising amber stone centrepieces. In 2012, Maxima showed off her enviable physique in a Jantaminau silver and maroon strapless gown as she attended the gala dinner which took place prior to the royal wedding of Prince Guillame of Luxembourg and Stephanie de Lannoy at the Grand-ducal Palace in Luxembourg.
The news that Prince Willem-Alexander will occupy the Dutch throne comes as Queen Beatrix announced on Monday that she is to abdicate. The sovereign addressed her nation live on television and radio on Monday evening at 19:00. Speaking to the nation she said: "It is time for me to lay down my crown... I have been thinking about this decision for several years." "It has been a great honour to serve my country. The reason is not that the responsibility was too great, but I feel that the responsibility should be held by a new generation." Speaking of her decision she said: "I am proud and happy and I will not be disappearing from public life".
