Queen Mathilde of Belgium was a vision in gold on 24 March as she stepped out alongside her husband, King Philippe, for a state banquet in Oslo hosted by King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway.
The Belgian royal, 53, opted for a glorious Armani Prive gown, as identified by Royal Fashion Police on Instagram, featuring a scalloped neckline and a sheer piece of fabric covering the decolletage that connected to sheer lace sleeves.
All in the detail
© Getty ImagesThe bodice was adorned with tiny gold rhinestones, and the full-length skirt featured a silk slip under a sheer overlay and train. Styled to perfection, the mother of Princesses Elisabeth and Eléonore and Princes Emmanuel and Gabriel chose an array of heirloom jewels.
© Getty ImagesHer tiara was the Nine Provinces Tiara, which dates back to 1926 when it was crafted by Van Bever for Princess Astrid of Sweden on the occasion of her wedding to the future King Leopold III of Belgium.
© Photonews via Getty ImagesThe tiara is a unique style as the top section is detachable from the bandeau, meaning it is one of the most versatile tiaras in the royal vault. Meanwhile, Queen Mathilde added further regal drama with the Diamond Fringe Earrings, which are said to be a vintage piece from the mid 20th century.
A stylist weighs in
© Photonews via Getty ImagesThe designer moment struck a chord with fashion stylist Leanne Jones, who trained at the London College of Style. She tells us: "Armani Privé is the house’s haute couture offering, creating exceptional pieces like this glittering gown, complete with intricate lace detailing and a beautiful silhouette.
"Full metallics can be difficult to wear, but Queen Mathilde has chosen a rich gold tone that brings out warmth in her complexion, with a neckline that is expertly cut to frame the décolletage."
© Photonews via Getty ImagesLeanne also points out: "Reserved exclusively for Queen Mathilde, the Nine Provinces Tiara also carries a subtle nod to Norway as it was originally gifted to Princess Astrid of Sweden by the Belgian people, and she was the sister of Crown Princess Märtha of Norway. Accessories in these circles aren’t just decorative; they’re rich with history."
Mathilde's monochrome moment
© Getty ImagesEarlier in the day, Queen Mathilde swapped her lovely gold dress (which felt reminiscent of the Princess of Wales' gold Phillipa Lepley gown from the US state banquet last year) for a pretty pink moment in head-to-toe Dior.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesThe royal centred her look around a stunning power pink coat dress with a tie waist over a high-neck dress in the same colour. Her pumps, the 'D-Moi' style featured a pointed toe and a stiletto heel and perfectly tied in with her box-shaped bag.
© BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty ImagesHer saucer-shaped hat was also a bespoke Dior number and, for her jewellery, the royal chose the 'Datejust Watch in Silver and Gold with Diamond Dial' by Rolex, which is valued at just over £5,000 and Queen Fabiola’s Diamond and Pearl Drop Earrings, which first belonged to King Philippe's aunt.
