Queen Máxima’s Pride outfit makes Royal history at WorldPride

Queen Máxima’s Pride outfit brought back a dramatic Royal Ascot look as she became the first queen to officially take part in WorldPride.

JULY 25, 2026 5:21 PM EDTJUL 25, 2026, 5:21 PM EDT

Queen Máxima's Pride outfit made history on Saturday, July 25, as the Dutch royal officially opened Amsterdam's LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration, becoming the first queen to take part in WorldPride.

Queen Máxima makes history as the first queen to officially take part in WorldPride.

Amsterdam is hosting the global event for the first time, marking a milestone for both the city and the LGBTQIA+ community. For the occasion, Queen Máxima paired the historic moment with one of her signature fashion statements, reviving a dramatic look that featured an unforgettable golden headpiece and one of her favorite couture designs.

For Amsterdam Pride, Queen Máxima revisited one of her most memorable fashion combinations.

Queen Máxima becomes the first queen to take part in WorldPride

Queen Máxima greeted crowds in Amsterdam before officially opening the city’s WorldPride celebration.

Before the official opening ceremony for WorldPride in Amsterdam, Queen Máxima spent Saturday afternoon at Pride Park, where she visited Sport Pride and Youth Pride. Amsterdam is hosting WorldPride for the first time after Madrid welcomed the event in 2017. This year's celebration also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Netherlands becoming the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. On a sunny summer day with temperatures around 77°F (25°C), the Queen debuted one of the most anticipated fashion moments of the event.

Queen Máxima’s Pride outfit featured the same statement headpiece she debuted at Royal Ascot in 2019.

The standout look she first wore at Royal Ascot

For her appearance in the Dutch capital, Queen Máxima chose to rewear one of her most memorable ensembles. Instead of embracing bold colors, she let a dramatic accessory take center stage. She topped the look with an oversized gold headpiece crafted from dozens of laurel leaves, a custom design by Dutch milliner Berry Rutjes.

The oversized gold design was inspired by the Greek myth of Apollo and Daphne.

The statement headpiece, inspired by the Greek myth of Apollo and Daphne, made its debut at Royal Ascot in England on June 18, 2019. During that appearance, Máxima was photographed in conversation with Prince William. She later brought it back during her official visit to Germany in July 2021, proving it has become one of the standout pieces in her wardrobe.

Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands arrive by carriage on the opening day of Royal Ascot on June 18, 2019, when Máxima debuts the dramatic gold laurel headpiece she later rewears at Amsterdam's WorldPride.

On both occasions, as well as at Amsterdam's WorldPride celebration, Máxima paired the headpiece with the same dress. The design comes from the couture line of Belgian fashion house Natan, one of the labels she wears most often. The sheer gown features long sleeves, a jewel neckline, a defined waist, and a full skirt. Its irregular checked pattern has also been compared by some fashion observers to an abstract animal print, adding another distinctive touch to the monochromatic look.

The pearl earrings she repeated from Germany

The Queen’s bold accessories brought a fashion-forward finish to a landmark moment at Amsterdam WorldPride.

Continuing the theme of thoughtful outfit repetition, Queen Máxima also wore the same long pearl earrings she paired with the laurel headpiece and Natan dress during her visit to Germany. The coordinated accessories completed a polished monochromatic ensemble, a styling approach she has long favored and one that suits her especially well.

Her Natan dress featured long sleeves, a defined waist, and an irregular checked pattern.