It was a happy and glamourous occasion for the Dutch royal family this weekend, as royals gathered to celebrate the 50th birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. Queen Letizia of Spain turned heads in an elegant red gown by designer Stella McCartney as she arrived at the birthday celebrations on Saturday. The monarch was accompanied by her husband, King Felipe VI, who looked equally as polished in his tuxedo. Queen Letizia stunned in her floor-length gown, which she accessorised with large diamond earrings, a striking bracelet and a jewel-encrusted clutch bag. The private party was held at The Hague in The Netherlands.
King Willem-Alexander with his wife Quen Maxima
King Willem-Alexander turned 50 on Thursday and the country celebrated the special day with huge celebrations. On Friday evening, the king and his wife Queen Maxima welcomed guests at a dinner to mark the big event. Royals and guests could be seen enjoying a sumptuous banquet in the palace, with photographs of the king showing him to be thoroughly enjoying his party. Maxima looked every inch the royal, stunning in a violet and gold dress and full of smiles at the happy occasion.
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Queen Letizia of Spain with husband King Felipe VI
On Wednesday, King Willem-Alexander addressed the nation on an interview broadcast the evening before his 50th birthday. The monarch paid tribute to his wife Maxima during the speech, saying: “We are just getting started, we’ve only been together 18 years. We can be happy together for a long time. She is critical but also caring and forgiving when I am capricious. She is a very special woman, and I am very fortunate to have met her.” The royal couple are parents to three girls, Catherine-Amalia, Princess of Orange and Princesses Alexia and Ariane. King Willem-Alexander referred to his daughters as “his radiant ladies”.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful banquet at the 50th birthday celebrations