After the holiday break, Queen Máxima is back to her official duties. She jumped back to work with two traditional New Year’s receptions hosted on consecutive days, where she embraced a restrained beauty look, looking fresh-faced and natural. This marks a trend she's followed over the past month, with the Queen perhaps signaling a new start to her 2026.
© Dutch Press/The Grosby GroupThat evolution was even more apparent during her recent visit to Apeldoorn, where she toured BDR Thermea and the factory of its subsidiary, Remeha. For the occasion, Queen Máxima revived a striking Natan suit in beige and orange with a houndstooth pattern. The tailored suit features a structured blazer with a wide, coordinating belt that cinches the waist for a flattering, elongated silhouette. She completed the look with straight-leg trousers.
In the past, Máxima has often worn the same without a blouse, opting for a plunging neckline and accessorizing the look with bold brooches pinned to the blazer’s lapel. These brooches, at times floral or metallic, have become signature items of her outfits.
This time, however, Maxima skipped the brooch entirely, a notable departure from her styling, layering the jacket with a high-neck beige sweater underneath. Given the chilly temperatures in Apeldoorn, the choice felt practical and polished.
© Dutch Press/The Grosby GroupOrange as energy and optimism
The Queen’s decision to wear orange, a color that's long been associated with vitality and optimism, appeared deliberate. Máxima has increasingly turned to the vibrant hue to contrast gray winter days, as she did previously in The Hague last December under overcast skies.
The retro-inspired tailoring, combined with the warm color palette, created a look that felt confident yet approachable, a style that appears to be the Queen's MO.
The Queen's new 'Teddy' bag
© Dutch Press/The Grosby GroupAnother item worth highlighting was the Queen's handbag. Departing from the classic leather styles favored by many royals, Máxima debuted a trendy “teddy” bag made of plush fabric. Beige in color and shaped like a vintage sack, the purse taps into a broader runway trend seen at luxury labels. It also underscores the Queen’s ongoing support for Spanish fashion brands, with the bag being a Mango design.
To finish the look, Queen Máxima added hoop earrings adorned with small orange stones, resulting in an elegant nod to the suit’s color palette. The Queen ultimately delivered a refined and modern ensemble that balanced warmth, symbolism, and represented a fresh take on royal style.
© Patrick van Katwijk
