Like most Americans I have little knowledge of European royalty beyond Britain. However, I have taken note of Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, who has a fantastic sense of style and never fails to inspire with her unique and fun way with clothes and accessories. She is age 44 and only became queen in 2013, when her husband’s mother, Queen Beatrix, decided to abdicate the throne to her eldest, Willem-Alexander. Maxima grew up in Argentina and was in finance before she met the King, who she thought was a regular guy when they first dated.
Things have turned out well and they now have three young girls and are terrific ambassadors for their small and happy country. The royal family is known as the House of Orange and Maxima takes any opportunity to wear orange and other bright colors she can. I love how she wears big earrings, statement necklaces, gloves, wonderful bags and hats of all kinds including turbans, giant feathers, flowers and even a butterfly clip if it floats her boat! Maxima always mixes colors beautifully and adds quirky accessories that make her outfits. She obviously loves clothes and it shows.
Full Queen garb. Love her tiara and evening gown.
She’s not just a pretty face either. As if being queen wasn’t enough, she’s the Secretary Generals Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance at the U.N.
She works on micro-loans and such for those who need it most in some of the poorest countries. Wonderful she finds the time to do this with all her other duties as queen. She is also an open supporter of gay rights and was one of the first royals to ever attend an LGBT conference, which she did in 2008.
I love her casual style too.
She’s a very modern queen and an inspiring person. Netherlands is fortunate to have her.
I think I’ll dig out some of my big earrings and try to have more fun with clothes as she does.
Have you been to the Netherlands? I was there two summers ago and fell in love with Amsterdam. I would like to go back and travel out to see more of the country. I wrote about my trip on this I Heart Amsterdam post. Read it if you want to know more about this charming nation and their cool culture of bikes and flowers.
Now quick everyone, find your big earrings… They are in again this fall!
Kim
photos via Pinterest
