As her silver jubilee year draws to a close, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands appears to be relishing life more than ever. On Saturday the lady of the hour looked radiant as she was joined by the entire Dutch royal family at one of the final events to mark the momentous year - a glamorous black-tie dinner in The Hague.
Back from a recent trip to her native Argentina, Princess Maxima arrived on the arm of her husband Crown Prince Willem-Alexander. Meanwhile her sister-in-law, Princess Mabel, was stunning in a flowing, dusky pink gown as she was escorted by her spouse Prince Johan, the queen's second-born son.
Beatrix's warm smile is evidence of how much she is savouring what has been a wonderful year for the family, which has celebrated something of a baby bonanza. In June Maxima presented the 67-year-old royal with her fifth grandchild Alexia, while Mabel gave birth to Luana in March.
Meanwhile in May around a million well-wishers took to the streets of Amsterdam for the anniversary of the popular monarch, who enjoys a 90-per cent approval rating from her subjects.
In a TV interview to coincide with the festivities, the queen gave an insight into the reason for the affection she enjoys. "I represent an institution that is by definition more traditional," she said. "But still you see the changes around you and try to remain alert the whole time; to remain open... (to see) if the monarchy needs to adjust."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
