A sparkling display of royal jewels kicks off Queen Maxima's visit to Luxembourg

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands kicked off their three-day state visit to Luxembourg in style, spending their first evening with hosts Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa enjoying a state banquet at the Grand Ducal Palace. The state visit began on Wednesday, May 23 in Luxembourg City, where the Grand Duke and Duchess received their royal guests in a welcoming ceremony, then visited Luxembourg's national war memorial and met with the city's mayor Lydie Polfer. Then the royals had a chance to explore the city including the 'Old Quarters', which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Benelux Economic Union – a consolidated partnership between three countries, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. A toast! From left to right, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, King Willem-Alexander, Grand Duke Henri and Queen Maxima raised a glass during the official state dinner held at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg on May 23. Photo: WENN

Both Queen Maxima and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa each wore royal heirloom jewels and one of their favorite designers: Maxima in one-shouldered silk Jan Taminiau and the Grand Duchess in Elie Saab.Photo: WENN

Queen Maxima sparkled in the impressive 19th century Stuart tiara, wearing enormous diamonds from the set as earrings, and accessorising her gown with a bow-shaped brooch from the collection.Photo: WENN

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa wore the gorgeous Belgian Scroll tiara with her rose-coloured off the shoulder beaded gown. This more modern, 1950s-era piece consists of more than 850 diamonds.Photo: WENN

The Grand Duchess' daughter-in-law Princess Stéphanie wore the Chaumet tiara, which has a lattice motif and diamond tipped prongs. The headpiece, which also has detachable pearls, can also be worn as a choker.Photo: WENN

The royal photo lineup, from left to right: Grand Duke Henri's heir, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume; Grand Duchess Maria Teresa; King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands; Grand Duke Henri and his daughter-in-law Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie. Photo: WENN

Earlier in the day, Queen Maxima arrived with the King wearing a tailored gold silk dress to kick off the three-day visit. Photo: WENN

Sixty-three-year-old Grand Duke Henri, who has reigned since October 2000, kissed Queen Maxima's hand when the Dutch royals arrived.Photo: WENN

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa took advantage of the sunny weather with her chic sunglasses, worn at the welcoming ceremony with a mauve tailored coat and lavender dress.Photo: WENN

Also there to greet the Dutch royal couple were Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and his wife Princess Stéphanie, who wore a green dress with cape detail, nude shoes and a woven hat. Photo: WENN

The Luxembourg royals gave King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima a tour of the local sites and scenery – including the amazing views – on the first morning of the visit. Photo: WENN

The Dutch royal couple walked arm in arm at the Monument National de la Solidarité Luxembourgeoise, where King Willem Alexander laid a wreath during a solemn ceremony. Photo: WENN