Clad in bronze sequins, Princess Victoria of Sweden shimmered and shone as she stepped out for the gala dinner, a celebration to round off a fantastic day of festivities in the Netherlands. On the arm of her husband Prince Daniel, the royal looked radiant as she turned up to show her support to the new king and queen. Also dazzling at the evening event was Princess Mathilde of Belgium, whose nude dress was adorned with a crystal pattern.
The ladies were joined by fellow European royal Princess Letizia of Spain, who was showing patriotism for her host country in a blue gown. Letizia had worn the gown once before during a celebratory dinner for Prince Charles when he turned 60. Coincidentally, the recycled Valentino gown Queen Maxima had been wearing on Monday evening for the state dinner had also been worn to the same event. She paired the strapless, floor-sweeping number with matching peep-toe heels. Princess Mette-Marit of Norway had stuck to the dress code of the day - neutral. The beautiful blonde wore a cream, crepe pleated dress and kept the evening chill at bay with a pale pink shrug. It looks like Princess Mary of Denmark has been swapping style tips with Maxima - the royal stepped out wearing a bright red gown almost identical to the Valentino number the new queen had been wearing the night before. With a fitted bodice and a tiered, ruffled skirt, Mary looked incredible in the daring number.
Marking his first official function as King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and his wife welcomed the VIP guests to the gala dinner at the magnificent Muziekgebouw concert hall on the banks of the IJ. Maxima, 41, was the epitome of elegance in a beautiful burgundy and nude lace gown by Holland-born designer Jan Taminiau. It was the second number she had worn on the day that saw her become queen consort to her husband of 11 years. Talented Mr Taminiau was the mastermind behind the winning cobalt blue gown that 41-year-old Maxima had worn at the investiture ceremony in the afternoon. Their three daughters Amalia, Alexia and Ariane kept the cobalt blue gowns that they had worn earlier in the day on with matching camel coloured capes to keep out the cold. If the girls were tired from the hectic day of festivities, they didn't let it show as they waved to the crowds wearing beaming smiles.
Prince Albert of Monaco was another VIP guest at the festivities, the largest gathering of royals since the Queen's Diamond Jubilee last year. Royal invitees from further afield included Japan's Prince Naruhito and his wife Princess Masako.The new sovereign, his wife and their three daughters enjoyed a water pageant on the IJ lake in the Dutch capital prior to the dinner. Thousands of wellwishers had gathered on the banks to cheer their new king on the historic day of his inauguration which followed his mother's abdication after 33 years on the throne. They were treated to energetic performances from former Dutch Olympic champions and various other sporting displays.
