Dutch for a Day

I know this blog is dedicated to our beloved British royals, but yesterday’s inauguration of King Willem-Alexander is causing me to venture south a bit to The Netherlands. We have to talk about his beautiful wife, Queen Maxima. No way around it. I am hooked on her.

Don’t know who Queen Maxima is you say? No worries. To be honest, she was a blip on my radar until this week too. Luckily for us, the team @HuffPostStyle is all over this fabulous new queen, revisiting some of her best looks of all time. One thing my girls over there neglected to inform us is HOW do we get our hands on that blue diamond tiara she wore? Seriously. Can we at least get a replica? Holy diamonds.

Perhaps I was I fell instantly in love with Queen Maxima because she reminds me so much of Sophie, Countess of Wessex. We all know she is one of my favorite, underrated member of the firm.

Not convinced yet? Let me draw your attention to the following video, (so wonderfully brought to my attention by @royalist) of the newly crowned king, his queen and his little princesses joining a Dutch rave, hosted by the one and only Armin van Buuren. Not only does Queen Maxima look stunning (duh), she starts to dance on stage. Where do I sign up to become her new BFF? Think she’ll lend me her tiara?

Can’t Keep Up With The Queen..

I am 60 years younger than The Queen and I cannot seem to keep up with her! Her Majesty is always on the go and I can’t even seem to keep my blogging capabilities up up to date.

As you all know by now, it has been a busy few days for the royals, from pomp and pageantry to polo, the family was zooming around England like their pants were on fire, (and part of me wishes Harry’s were..okay, I’m kidding, but seriously..).

Trooping the Colour

It all started on Saturday with the Trooping the Colour to celebrate Her Majesty’s official birthday. I always love this day and I know many of you feel the same. Hats, carriage rides, balcony appearance, horse guards, a gun salute and a flypast – all in honor of The Queen – what’s not to love? Oh wait, Kate’s Erdem dress. Sorry, just had to.

AFP/Getty

This is truly the first time I’ve been disappointed in Kate’s outfit, and I’m not the only one to say so! As much as we all love you Kate, it was not a dress for a 30-year-old, gorgeous royal. The Queen, however, was shining in the yellow Angela Kelly she wore to William and Catherine’s wedding last year.

Press Association

Thankfully, we were blessed with my classic favorite shots of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Her facial expressions when he is in those hats is always priceless. Could they be any more adorable?

Garter Day

In one of the most important dates on the calendar, the Order of the Garter Service took place at Windsor Castle on Monday. Dressed in the traditional black robes, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh took part in the procession to St George’s Chapel, as well as The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge, The Duke of York and The Earl of Wessex.

Press Association

The royal ladies looked on as the men processed to the chapel; Camilla, Kate and Sophie all looked lovely in pale colors. Prayers and tweets were answered as Kate repeated the white McQueen coat from last year’s Trooping the Colour. I was excited. Twitter was excited. We all LOVE that coat, Kate! Sophie looked fabulous as always – she is certainly a favorite of mine.

Press Association

Press Association

Polo 

Oh and in between, William and Harry hit the polo field – twice. In white pants. Oh yea, and Lupo was there too. That’s pretty much all you need to know.

And They’re Off!

Today marked the first day of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations! What better way for Her Majesty to kick off this auspicious occasion than indulging in one of her favorite pastimes – horse racing at the Epsom Derby! The Queen, along with her husband, Prince Philip, son Prince Andrew and granddaughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; the Countess of Wessex, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent were also on hand to partake in the fun.

Photo Credit: Hello! Magazine

The Queen looked stunning in a royal blue number by Stewart Pavin – does the woman ever fail? Loving the top hat on The Duke of Edinburgh; what a class act!

Union Jack flags waved proudly as the royal motorcade made its way into Epsom Downs, welcomed by the Royal Marine band and singer Katherine Jenkins breaking out into “God Save the Queen.” The Red Devils parachuted down, making it a truly unique sight to be seen.

The best part of the day was how truly elated Her Majesty looked; it always wonderful to see the woman who lights up so many people’s lives with a look of pure joy across her face.

Photo Credit: Socialite Life, Getty Images

Photo Credit: Hello! Magazine

As she does each year, The Queen presented the newly minted Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (usually known as simply the Coronation Cup) and inspected some of the competing horses – just what they needed, to be more nervous at a big race!

Here’s hoping the firm had a lovely afternoon and continues to do so over the next few days.