Next week marks ten years since the Prince of Orange married Máxima Zorreguieta (on 2-2-2002, in case you forgot). Since I've already blabbered on about my love for
my favorite modern magpie's wedding gown, we're celebrating in another way: with her wedding guests. First up, the black tie party from their pre-wedding events, which drew a whole mess of royal friends.
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| Left to Right: Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte of Luxembourg, Queen Sonja of Norway and Queen Sofia of Spain, Princess Benedikte of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg |
Unfortunately, not all of them brought something to talk about, particularly. I mean, 'twas the times. Blergh.
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| L to R: Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, Princess Annette of Orange-Nassau, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden |
Some of these appearances are more remarkable for the differences from today, no? (Oh, the sands of time, etc., etc.) I mean, look at Mette-Marit there with half a feather boa strapped on the definition of plain.
A transformation in progress to be certain.
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| L to R: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Queen Silvia of Sweden, Princess Alexandra of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Princess Sarvath of Jordan |
Moving up on the scale of memorability: color! Bless Princess Sarvath and her luscious and rich purple and gold.
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| L to R: Queen Paola of the Belgians, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece |
Some appearances were memorable for being maybe a little bit out of character, like Paola and her extra poufy sparkly affair, Anne-Marie and her Cinderella costume, or Sophie and her Vegas turn. And others are memorable for being out of this planet...
oh, M-C! That's a lot of pea green doilies, my friend. She was dressed by Valentino, who also dressed the best of the evening (as it should be): the bride.
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| Máxima (L) at the party and (R) in the same dress later that year |
Máxima's dress that night (which we got to see in full view later that year at Princess Märtha Louise's wedding) might just be the only time orange and lace end up
married together on my favorite outfit list. A sure sign of the divine bridal creation that was to come.
Who do you think was best dressed at the pre-wedding party?
Next week: the guests go to the actual wedding.
Photos: Getty Images/ANP/Polfoto/Hola/The Royal Forums
