There is no denying that Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has turned Prinsjesdag, or Prince’s Day, into one of the royal calendar’s most anticipated showcases of her evolving style.
Her versatility knows few limits. While keeping with the tradition of wearing a headpiece and dressing formally for the occasion, the Dutch Queen has experimented with dramatically different silhouettes, colors and styles over the years.
© NL BeeldCelebrated on the third Tuesday of September, Prinsjesdag also marks the official opening of the new parliamentary year in the Netherlands.
In 2026, King Willem-Alexander’s wife was joined by all three of their daughters, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane, marking a new chapter for the royal family and, seemingly, for Máxima’s approach to the occasion.
© NL BeeldRather than commanding attention with one of the bold looks for which she has become known, the Queen made a notably understated fashion choice.
Máxima in black and white:
No vibrant colors and no dazzling embellishments. Queen Máxima stepped out in what may be one of her most discreet Prinsjesdag looks to date.
Embracing elegant simplicity, the Queen opted for a long-sleeved black blouse paired with a full white skirt, pieces she has previously worn for formal engagements.
© NL BeeldThe monochrome palette suited her beautifully, but it was an unusual choice for a royal who rarely shies away from color, making it something of a departure from her own established style rules.
With Amalia, Alexia and Ariane all accompanying their parents for the important occasion, Máxima’s restrained ensemble allowed the next generation of Dutch royal women to share the spotlight.
A minimalist headpiece with links to Beatrice Borromeo and Queen Mathilde:
Máxima carried that sense of restraint into her accessories. Instead of one of the dramatic floral or sculptural headpieces she has previously worn for Prinsjesdag, the Queen brought back a minimalist design featuring two slender elements sweeping across her head.
© JEROEN JUMELETThe unusual accessory bears a resemblance to a headpiece previously worn by Beatrice Borromeo, who sported a similar design on Sept. 21, 2013, for the wedding of Prince Félix of Luxembourg and Claire Lademacher at the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene. Queen Mathilde of Belgium has also worn a comparable style.
Máxima did, however, turn to the royal jewelry box for some added grandeur. She completed her ensemble with teardrop pearl earrings and a coordinating brooch positioned at her waist, adding a regal finishing touch without overwhelming the otherwise understated look.
© NL BeeldWhat Queen Máxima wore in 2025:
Although Máxima has experimented with separates for Prinsjesdag, and even wore trousers in 2023, gowns have traditionally been her go-to choice for the ceremonial occasion.
© Patrick van KatwijkIn 2025, the Queen revisited a beautiful aquamarine Grecian-inspired gown crafted from georgette and crêpe and decorated with intricate crystal embroidery.
The creation was designed by Jan Taminiau, one of Máxima’s longtime favorite designers. She paired it with a striking feather-and-flower headpiece by Berry Rutjes that had an unexpected connection to Spain.
© Patrick van KatwijkMáxima first wore the accessory in October 2023 for the wedding of the Duchess of Medinaceli in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
One year later, however, Máxima took Prinsjesdag in a very different direction. With all three of her daughters by her side, the Queen appeared content to trade some of her signature fashion drama for a quieter kind of elegance, allowing the young princesses to command more of the royal spotlight.
