Royal Outfit of the Day: January 13

Crown Princess Mary visited Myanmar for three days in connection to her work for the United Nations Population Fund and the Danish Refugee Council. Above, an outfit from the first day with floral trousers from Zara.

I found this the most interesting of Mary's outfits on this trip. These floral crops have a serious potential to go wrong, but she paired them well with a plain top for a casual look - they even seem perfect with the bare feet (everyone was shoeless at this event, by custom). A lower cost option from Zara (per Styleofmary) is an excellent choice as well, for a visit that's not about the high end fashion. Well played, I say.

For more on Mary's trip: check BT, or daily wrap ups with links on the Royally Scandinavian blog.

Photos: Keld Navntoft/BT/Styleofmary

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: December 4-9

Hmm.

The Duchess of Cambridge

Video: William and Kate attend the London premiere of "Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom"

Look, I find this outfit rather baffling, but the whole thing takes on an extra unimportant tone considering the death of the great Nelson Mandela was announced while they were at this premiere. William's short statement when they left is included in the video above. (Kate also paid a visit to a children's hospice, smartly wearing trousers to avoid any precarious situations when crouching to kid level. Click here for some video cuteness.)

HMM.

Queen Máxima

Attending a concert given in Princess Beatrix's honor

Well, the outfit above is nothing compared to the level of bafflement this brings. From the unflattering bands to the messy skirt to the overly dark stockings - I just can't.

Best of the Rest

Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Mathilde visits Hong Kong (this was my favorite from the trip - click here for a nice video featuring more), Haakon and Mette-Marit at a meeting, Victoria pays a visit to discuss bioenergy, Mary hosts a holiday reception for her foundation

Some lovely business happening here, but the winner has to be Mette-Marit - she's alive! (She's been out of commission for weeks due to a neck problem that required surgery, if you haven't been following your Norwegian royal news.)

Who was your best dressed last week?

Photos: Raad van State/RTL/Kronprinsparet Fond/Lehtikuva/Maryfonden

Royal Trip Report: The Danes in Australia

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary have been visiting Australia, one of their frequent trip destinations. This one had a celebratory purpose: the Sydney Opera House's 40th anniversary. Mary is Australian and the landmark was designed by a Dane, Jørn Utzon, so that all lines up neat and tidy. The birthday party was my favorite of Mary's outfits for the trip, and that's where we'll begin:

Video: The birthday celebration, including a snippet from Mary's speech

She told a cute little story (what she knew about Denmark before Frederik: Hans Christian Anderson, and the Opera House was designed by a Dane), there were fireworks, it was all good. Plus a dress with just a touch of sparkle and gold to it - nothing wrong with that.

Trip outfits

These trips always touch on Danish design and Mary certainly brought some of that with her, but she also wore a few pieces from designer Collette Dinnigan. She's worn Australian label in the past and every time she does I'm left wanting more. (The Duchess of Cambridge has worn a bit too, and I hope we see more when she and William finally make their much-anticipated trip down there).

Also - what's this?! - someone has decided to step in and wave the flag for hot Valentino shoes while Mette-Marit's gone. I approve. (The Norwegian crown princess, if you haven't heard, is on extended sick leave for a recurring neck/back issue and could be out until Christmas.)

Video: The couple visit an area touched by recent bushfires

Truthfully, though, this trip has been a pretty standard fashion run. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of non-sartorial highlights - the couple has been on proper cute form and made some touching connections. Case in point: this trip to visit an area affected by the recent bushfires, an unplanned addition to the agenda.

And one more bit of cuteness for the road. I know some of you love the moments when little girls get to meet REAL princesses, so don't miss the curtseys on display here:

Video: An engagement with the Australian Twin Registry. A mom to twins herself, Mary is patron of both the Australian and Danish Twin Registries. 

Which trip outfit is your favorite?

Photos: Getty Images/Pool/BT/Scanpix

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: August 27-September 7, Plus Your Diamond Winners!

Hello again, lovelies. It's that glorious time of year when the deadly slow month of August is over and our royals have returned to the fashion playing field! Rejoice. A hodgepodge of some of what we've missed:

Best in Brights

Princess Letizia

Mary and Victoria at separate awards ceremonies; Letizia with Felipe in Argentina for the IOC meeting; Mathilde and Philippe in Leuven and at the Hanswijk Cavalcade; Máxima on an engagement with Willem-Alexander and at a university

Yes, I think you truly know summer is over when the Natan twins return to greet you with their dueling Slimer green ensembles. Elsewhere, Victoria keeps trying with that statement necklace but isn't quite there yet, and Letizia made a valiant attempt to win the 2020 Olympics for Madrid by the sheer power of lookin' good - didn't work for her (Tokyo won the Games), but it works for me.

Best in Casual

The Duchess of Cambridge

Video: Kate and William on an engagement in Anglesey

Not so much a sartorial thing, but here you go anyway. 

Best in Black and White

Crown Princess Mary

Mette-Marit opening a sculpture park; Mary in Morocco; Letizia in Argentina

Mary's been busy, squeezing another trip in, but I can't concentrate on anything but this skirt right here. I need it, you see. NEED. Alas, it isn't a new one, but an older model from By Malene Birger. Sigh. Mette-Marit looked ab fab, but not even the power of a well placed puppy can distract me.

And an Honorable Mention to...

Princess Madeleine

At a memorial service for Princess Lilian

Jumpy claps to Madeleine, who has recently announced that she and her new husband are expecting a baby! Maternity wear ahoy.

Who's been your best dressed lately?

And now for the winners of your recent double pick for your ultimate tiara collection...

The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara and the Fife Tiara!

Inevitable that these would make the cut at some point, really. As for your runners up, let's have a moment of silence for Poor Polty - it took the #2 spot in both categories, but even combining its votes, it wouldn't have pulled out a win. The remainder were all over the place.

Here's the full thing so far:

That's the end of the August voting extravaganza (as stated previously, just something to do while we're summer bored). The next one will be at the end of September.

Photos: Abaca/Getty Images/Belga/DutchPhotoPress/NTBScanpix/BilledBladet-Kongehuset/Stella Pictures

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: July 28-August 3, Plus Your Amethyst and Turquoise Winners!

Best in Regulars

Queen Mathilde attends a memorial service marking the 20 year anniversary of the death of King Baudouin; Princess Letizia and the Spanish royal family pose while starting their vacation

I suppose I like Mathilde's hat, but I'm not sure her hat likes her - it attempted to flee the scene of the memorial. And as for Letizia...infantas! That is all.

And an Honorable Mention to...

Princess Charlene attends the Red Cross Ball

Yes, that's right: color and a pair of earrings = news!

Who was your best dressed last week?

And now it is time for the latest additions to your ultimate tiara collection, the winners of your amethyst and turquoise competitions...

Queen Mary's Amethyst Tiara and The Persian Turquoise Tiara!

I thought perhaps we'd have another Swedish winner, maybe a German member of the club, but nope: add another two British tiaras to the pile, please. Neither of these two have been featured in depth, so you leave me no choice - NO CHOICE - but to declare this a Tiara Week. Features coming at you tomorrow and Thursday. Sacrifices, sacrifices...if only you could hear the dramatic sighs I'm putting on for you right now.

Mary's won the contest handily, but Margaret's just squeaked by. Here are your runners up:

2. Queen Josephine's Amethyst Tiara.

3. The Cartier Amethyst Tiara, or the Not-Alexandra Tiara, as I've come to call it - it is, in fact, a Cartier piece in a museum in Italy.

4. The Amethyst Necklace Tiara.

5. The Bedford/Tavistock Amethyst Tiara.

2. The Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Turquoise Tiara.

3. Queen Olga's Russian Turquoise Tiara.

4. The Teck Turquoise Tiara.

5. The Ogilvy Tiara, in its turquoise version.

Photos: Getty Images/Scanpix/Munn/Corbis

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: July 21-27, a Programming Note, and Your Sapphire Winner!

Best in Cute, Large Group Division

The Danish Royal Family

Video: Queen Margrethe and family, Queen Anne-Marie, and Princess Benedikte with two of her children and their families pose for the annual photo call

Family photo call time of year is just what the doctor ordered to treat a Baby Cambridge hangover, especially when the Danes bring such a large group out to play!

Best in Cute, Matchy Division

The Belgian Royal Family

King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, and their children at the family's holiday photo call. Click here for video from RTL.

The Cambridges aren't the only ones that can do blue, no sir. The Belgians retreated from the abdication spotlight to frolic in France, and Mathilde proved once again that shoes aren't the only thing she believes in matching.

Best of the Rest

Princess Letizia and Queen Mathilde

Letizia at a journalism awards ceremony and at a meeting of the Instituto Cervantes, Mathilde at an audience

A few people were still out and about doing their royal thing this week, and this was the best of it (omitting anything to do with anything sad because...well, because). Letizia's two fresh summer looks win it for me.

Who was your best dressed last week?

Programming Note: Despite all the action of last week, we really are entering a slow time of the year for royal watching as many of our families are heading out on their summer breaks. This means two things for us. First, we'll mainly be kicking the week off with Tuesday posts, barring big events. Second, I decided we'd compensate for the lack of official happenings by amping up our tiara games. For the month of August, you'll be voting on a new member of your ultimate tiara collection each Friday. You'll get the results quicker too (so, as you may have noticed with the sapphires, you have a little less time to get those votes in).


And on that note, the winner of your sapphire contest is...

The Dutch Sapphire Tiara!

Máx the Magnificent and her stunning inauguration appearance earlier this year sealed the deal for this sapphire beauty in a big way. Many of you remarked that you'd "seen" the tiara for the first time on the new Queen Máxima, and I couldn't agree more - she showed us what it really can do (not to mention showed us that it truly is a sapphire tiara, something you may have doubted seeing it on Queen Beatrix). There is a smaller diamond tiara that uses some of the stones, and the rest of what we consider to be the accompanying parure also includes the converted Dutch Sapphire Necklace Tiara, another favorite of mine.

Your runners up:

2. The Leuchtenberg Sapphire Tiara. Queen Silvia and her fan favorite were no match for the recent impression left by Maxima, I'm afraid. Maybe next time, Sil.
3. Queen Marie-Amélie's Sapphire, Diamond, and Pearl Tiara. Here's what I found interesting in this vote: another gem edged itself in. With the exception of the Cameo which made your runners up list in the pearl vote, you've primarily stuck to diamonds only to accent our stone of choice. I guess pearls and sapphires really are a match made in tiara heaven.
4. Queen Victoria's Sapphire Coronet. Poor Prince Albert, once again less than victorious.
5. The Portland Sapphire Tiara. And that's two for the pearls. This was my pick when I did my ultimate tiara collection, but that was before the big Dutch show. Maybe I'd have to reconsider now.

And here's the whole lot of winners, so far:

Lovely. This sapphire one adds a different Gothic-y design touch, and I like it.

Next vote coming at you on Friday as promised!

Photos: RTL/Getty Images/Casa Real/Nieuwsblad

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: July 15-20, and a Bonus of Cute

Best in Cute

Prince George of Cambridge

Video: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the hospital with their bundle of joy

Obviously this is outside of our date range, happening yesterday. Whatever. BABIES, amirite?! You could just pick him up and squeeze him. (But don't, because police.) They were one adorable, happy family in blue. Kate's bespoke Jenny Packham was great {insert your own required Diana polka dot comparison here}, but the warm fuzzies were better.

I do love any occasion that lets the headline writers run wild.

UPDATE: The baby's name is George Alexander Louis. Anybody guess right? (I certainly didn't!)

Best in Other Cute Things

The A-Team, ESTELLE, and Puppies

Left to right: the Dutch royal family poses for their annual family photoshoot, Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Estelle meet scholarship winners, and the Norwegian crown princely family pose with their new puppies

Too. Much. Cute. This should hold us over for a while (it won't, though, because we're not reasonable like that).

Compared to all that, the rest of the week was kinda boring. Haakon tried to liven things up by parachuting into his 40th birthday music festival (because who just has a plain old party, come on).

This party caused a bit of a stir, I guess. First, there was fuss over increased police cost, then it emerged that the guests had been asked to contribute to the costs of the party. All this with a background of fuss over Mette-Marit accepting designer clothes and such for free. But on it went. Click here for a long video, and here for a picture gallery. There were some other royals there too.

Best of the Rest
Princess Letizia, Princess Mathilde, Crown Princess Mary

Princess Letizia attending a naval graduation and audiences; Princess Mathilde (this all happened pre-abdication, pre-Queen Mathilde) at a luncheon and other engagements

Here's a highlight of the rest, the actual business sort of events. But frankly, as far as this post is concerned, if you can't give me at least a puppy you get a meh.

Video: Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik attend a ballet

I suppose Mary and Frederik are my favorites. Fred, really. You gotta respect a man whose sartorial dictionary doesn't include the word blergh.

Who's your favorite?

Photos: The Sun/Getty Images/Abaca/Kongehuset

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: June 23-July 6

We have much to catch up on, so I'll just hit the highlights: my favorites for each of our regulars. No, scratch that - let's say my favorites and/or the talking points. Can't be too generous.

Best in Trips

Queen Máxima

Visiting Denmark

I love this color on her, and I love that she's sporting Dolce and Gabbana for a change. Plus, how can you not adore the dynamic consort duo, Henrik and Máx? That's like 20% of my ultimate royal dinner party, right there.

Video: Opening her namesake park, by bike

We'll give her two nods, though, because biking around in your hat and dress can not be ignored.

Best in BFFs

Crown Princess Mary (and Princess Benedikte)

Video: Visiting Germany and attending the opening of the World Equestrian Festival

Mary paid a visit to Germany that prevented her from attending the Dutch visit, which was a bummer. But instead, she hung out (and seemed to be having a grand old time) with her aunt-in-law in Germany! If we don't get to see a partial reunion of the crown princess M gang, this'll do. Sartorially, I'm particularly enchanted by her carriage ride outfit, and if I could wrangle her an invite to Ascot, I'd be on that right now.

Best Participant

Princess Mathilde

Visiting a youth camp

Obviously, this past week or so was a big on for the Belgian monarchy...it was not a big one for their sartorial show, though, so we'll award Mathilde's prowess with the wave (or whatever) here. 

Best in Portraits

Crown Princess Mette-Marit

These two crazy kids turn 40 this summer, and so we got a new set of pics, of which this one (and this dress) was my very favorite.

Most Typical

Princess Letizia

Video: Attending a military graduation

Yup, she's at it again: business casual at a formal military event. Nothing more to say, really. 

And an Honorable Mention to...

Princess Marie

During the Dutch visit

When Mary's away, the mice will play. Well done.

And an Extra Honorable Mention to...

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

I'm sure you've heard the news: another great-grandchild is on the way for QEII, as the Tindalls confirmed that they are expecting. Congrats to them!

Who was your best dressed in the last couple weeks?

Photos: Getty Images/Photonews/Royal Court/NTB Scanpix/BT

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: June 9-15

Best in Day (Casual)

Crown Princess Mary

Video: Mary participates in the Free from Bullying Race

Oh, I do enjoy a bit of Casual Mary.

Best in Day (Regular)

Crown Princess Victoria

Letizia welcomes Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan to Spain with the rest of the family; Victoria at a conference and holding an audience; Mette-Marit on an engagement with Queen Sonja

Letizia in brights and Mette-Marit in something that matches are always bonuses, but these simple dresses suit Victoria so perfectly, I'm willing to overlook the aggressively matching blue shoes (pet peeve alert).

Best in Day (Fancy)

Queen Máxima

Máxima making more province visits; Catherine naming a ship

Big hats and big jewels always win. That's just the way it is. (Proper big hats, though, not the ones just attempting to set records for fabric yardage piled on one hat, to be clear.)

Best in Evening

Princess Letizia

Mary at the opening of the House of Foreign Industry; Letizia at a concert and dinner for Naruhito; Mathilde at the opera

I really didn't like Letizia's gown when she wore it at Victoria's wedding back in 2010 - and yet, suddenly, I'm charmed. Why, hmm? Better hair now, a softer look? Maybe I just appreciate a little Swedish wedding throwback after we missed her at Madeleine's party.

Who was your best dressed last week?

Photos: Getty Images/Stella Pictures/Side2/DutchPhotoPress/Scanpix

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: April 7-13

Best in Near Repeats

Princess Letizia

At the "El Barco de Vapor" literature awards; in Geneva at the World Health Organization

Standing behind a podium at the awards, I really did think that first item was a repeat of her sparkles from last week.

Best in Bea Cute

Queen Beatrix (by way of Máxima)

At the anniversary of the Currency Exchange Fund; at a concert marking the 125th Anniversary of the Concertgebouw; visiting the Week of the Entrepreneurs; at a concert commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Treaty of Utrecht; at a youth program in Rotterdam

Máxima may be the one that we usually cover here, but it's the Queen B that's getting all my affection. (And even Máx threw in a Bea-signature wrap!) In Utrecht, the royal trio appeared on the balcony and the crowd started singing. What did they sing? "Bea Bedankt" - Thanks, Bea. Are you tearing up yet?! (Click here for video.)

Best in Ski Cute

Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; at the opening of a new Fountain House; participating in the 50th Ridderrenn skiing competition for the visually impaired and a family photocall

Best solution to cute-up a regular old week: throw in some kids.

And a Cute Honorable Mention to...

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko

Video: the Japanese imperial couple dances at a charity ball

If nothing in this post has put a smile on your Monday face, go back to bed. You have my permission.

Who was your best dressed last week?

Photos: Getty Images/Casareal/Abaca/BestImage/PacificCoastNews/Side2/NTBScanpix/Kongehuset

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: March 17-23

Best in Color

Princess Letizia

Mary attending the launch of Kofi Annan's memoirs; Victoria attending a children's rights seminar; Máxima meeting the President of Liberia and in Rome as part of her U.N. role; Letizia at a reception at the Spanish Embassy while in Vatican City for the papal inauguration and attending a dinner for the IOC Evaluation Commission

Apart from the Pope's inaugural mass, it was a pretty low key week for many of our leading ladies. Lots of dark colors (for Victoria, because they're still in mourning for Princess Lilian), which makes Máxima's electric blue and Letizia's vibrant green pop. Letizia wins it because she didn't attempt to go the full Kermit, like you know Máx would have done.

Best in Coats

The Duchess of Cambridge

Visiting the offices of Child Bereavement UK; at Baker Street Underground station with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh; visiting a scout camp

The middle number is from Malene Birger, and where there's Birger, you know there will be a Danish princess: sure enough, Crown Princess Mary has worn this one in the past. Who wore it best? (Me, I think it works really well with that hat, so I'll give it to Kate. Also, I just really like her in teal-ish colors flying solo with HM and the DoE, apparently.) (Also also, you can see my report on the Queen at that event over at the Jewel Vault per usual.)

Most Tenacious Shoe Selections

Crown Princess Mette-Marit

At the FIS World Cup Nordic Holmenkollen 2013; visiting the Scandic Vulkan Hotel; visiting an elementary school

Oh, she's trying to make me like SHOOTIES, isn't she. Well, I will not be swayed! Unless she wants to come over here and bake me cupcakes, in which case I will sway, no problem.

And an Honorable Mention to...

Princess Caroline, Brand New Grandma

Attending the annual Rose Ball. Left to right: Charlotte Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi, Princess Caroline, Princess Charlene, Prince Albert

Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo welcomed a baby son last Thursday! Princess Caroline told a journalist at the Rose Ball that the baby's name is Sacha. The glowing new grandmother was my pick for best dressed at the ball, since Charlotte wore those shoes and Charlene got me all excited that she might be wearing some interesting jewelry for a change, only to find that it was merely beading on her Ralph Lauren gown. Beading she mostly covered up with her jacket, no less.

Who did you like last week?

P.S.: Stay tuned tomorrow for Mathilde, who was on a trip last week.

Photos: BestImage/IBL/RVD/ANP/CasaReal/Getty Images/PA/PacificCoastNews

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: March 10-16

Best in Additions

The Duke of Cambridge

Video: Presenting shamrocks to the Irish Guards for St. Patrick's Day

The Duchess is very glow-y and happy and hair-up-y and that's all good. But I'm digging Cambridge #2 this week and I have my reasons. First, he has a new addition to his uniformed fanciness - he was just made an Aide-de-Camp to the Queen, and has the gold braid at his shoulder to prove it. And second, glasses (at the Cheltenham Festival).

Best in Purses

Princess Letizia

Attending the Discapnet Awards; at a concert organized by the Prince of Girona Foundation

I like her sparkly clutch. Yes, I'm reaching.

Best in Shoes

Princess Máxima

Attending a meeting; opening an art event (with and without coat); participating in NL Doet volunteering day

Uh...I honestly think the bowling shoes are an improvement over some of her other clunkers.

Best in Effort

Crown Princess Victoria

At the farewell ceremony for the President of Turkey; the return concert hosted by the Turkish president

Again, Victoria's tried a little hair ornamentation...not sure I'm a fan, but A for effort given the circumstances. (We won't be covering Lilian's funeral now, either. Too sad.)

Who did you like last week?

Pssst: Look for a post on the Pope's inaugural mass later in the week!

Photos: Getty Images/SCP/ANP/Parool/All Over Press

Royal Trip Report: All Kinds of People, All Over the Place

Royal trips a-go-go! Seems like everybody's traveling everywhere lately, and I love it. Trip wardrobes are the best, even when they're a little on the low key side. So let's check in with some of our royal wanderers, shall we?

Frederik and Mary in Chile, days 1-3

First up: Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary went on an official visit to Chile. This was actually supposed to be a state visit made by Queen Margrethe, but on doctor's advice she cancelled and the crown princely couple stepped up. And as you might expect for a substitute visit, this is mainly a trip of repeats. Actually, I think the new item getting the most attention here seems to be Fred's new hairdo...and you thought the royal men didn't get enough frivolous attention.

Days 4 & 5

I think my favorite outfit might be the new dress shown above on the far left, from Elise Gug, blergh and all. And I will be forever grateful that she stopped short of a full jumpsuit with that print on the far right above. We've been there, and it wasn't pretty.

Elsewhere, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene made an official visit to Palau.

Video: in Palau

Seems to have been a pretty short and casual island-appropriate trip, as you might expect.

The Windsors are out and about too, starting with the Earl and Countess of Wessex in the Czech Republic to present Duke of Edinburgh Award certificates as well as other engagements.

These were my two favorite Sophie outfits from the trip: Sophie does McQueen, and more Roland Mouret. I'm not entirely sold on the head-to-toe cream, but the continual Benjamin Button-esque evolution of Sophie's style gets two thumbs up from me. And I think we always need more Roland Mouret.

Speaking of things we need more of, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall started a trip to the Middle East in Jordan with a visit to King Abdullah and Queen Rania, wearing Antonio Berardi. We could use more Berardi on the royal scene, I say. Good match for Kate or Beatrice maybe (or, hey, Sophie while we're at it).

Video: Charles and Camilla's official welcome in Jordan

They're on a multi-country tour which also includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. And it's been your basic Charles and Camilla show, you know, no real surprises or outliers in the fashion realm as far as I'm concerned. I will say this: the Qatar leg was disappointingly low on sightings of my girl crush, Sheikha Mozah - only one meeting with Charles, I think. And I will also say this: I can't wait for the release of this year's royal gift list. Will Cams pick up another ruby breastplate? The suspense is killing me.

Which trip outfit is your favorite?

Photos: Kongehuset/Abaca/Marfa/CTK/Getty Images

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: February 24-March 2

Best in Regular

Mathilde at a round table discussion on breast cancer; Letizia attends audiences at Zarzuela Palace; Máxima receives the first copy of the book "A World Without Cervical Cancer"

I think I like...Máxima? the best here. Sure, let's go with that.

Worst in Boots

Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Attending a conference

 Oh, the SHOOTIES with no toes are back. And so. close. to an otherwise okay outfit, too.

Best Group

At Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn

Cute, right? There was an unofficial meeting of the crown princely club when this group of heirs visited Willem-Alexander and Máxima for likely the last time before they become the first of the crew to step up a level. Love that they're friends in addition to being colleagues. 

Best in Spirit

Princess Estelle

At a church service; at the FIS Nordic Ski Championships

I do love it when royals get their team spirit on - but despite Victoria and Daniel's best efforts, they were overshadowed by the little one. You just can't beat the flag in the teeth move.

Who did you like last week?

Photos: Stella/Getty Images/Refdag/RVD/Jeroen van der Meyde/Aftonbladet/Scanpix/BestImages

Royal Trend Watch: Ski Bunnies Galore

It's winter holiday time, and our royals have headed for the slopes. And you know what that means, don't you? A dose of royal kid shenanigans, that's what. But the question is: who wins the royal ski bunny competition?

Frederik and Mary and their fantastic four headed for Verbier, where they win because of poufs and animal hats. And because of Isabella, of course - she's made of win and she can't help it. Click here to see a photoset and here to see a video.

Video: Joachim and Marie and family

Joachim and Marie and their own fantastic four holiday in Villars, where they won the royal slope competition because BABY SUNGLASSES I MEAN COME ON ARE YOU KIDDING ME. Click here to see more photos.

And finally, the Dutch royal family headed for their regular vacation in Lech.

Video: In Lech

The fact that Beatrix, Willem-Alexander, Máxima, the A-team, and the rest of the Dutch family (who weren't present at the photocall) are in Lech alone is enough of a win - it was one year ago that Prince Friso was trapped in an avalanche here, leaving him in a coma. But they seemed relaxed and happy, soaking up a bit of family time before the abdication. Good on them, I say. (Click here for a photoset.)

Who's your favorite royal ski bunny?

Photos: Abaca/Getty Images