One Belgian princess had made something of a public statement about what she’d be wearing to the royal family’s big day out but in the end it was another, far more discreet royal, who stole the style show.
The Belgian Royal Family celebrated National Day and the half sister of King Philippe, Princess Delphine, had made public statements about what she planned to wear. However, from the moment that the royals arrived for a Te Deum servcie at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, it was clear another princess was leading the fashion stakes.
Unsurprisingly, Queen Mathilde and Princess Elisabeth went bold with a beloved Belgian designer for the day, choosing Natan Couture. However, it was Mathilde’s youngest child, 17 year old Princess Eleonore’s choice of a modern classic that became the stand out look of the day.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde led the Belgian Royal Family at the celebratory mass in Brussels on Monday morning. Queen Mathilde turned to Belgian fashion house Natan for her ensemble. The deep red, tea-length gown features a boat neck, short sleeves, and laser cut floral designs throughout.Â
The Belgian milliner, Fabienne Delvigne, created a custom-made cocktail hat that mimics the floral design from the dress, as well as a custom-made clutch. Queen Mathilde, whose make up artist had shared tips on achieving a spotlight ready look ahead of the appearance, finished the look with a pair of cream, leather gloves.Â
Princess Elisabeth also looked to Natan, but for a very different look. The heir to the throne chose a lime green look of a cape-sleeved top and a tiered skirt. She accessorised with one of her mum’s CH Carolina Herrera clutches and a padded headband designed by Anne Stoffels.Â
Princess Eleonore also went for a green look. Elenore wore the Charlotte dress from Diane von Furstenberg; the mesh, midi dress features ruching in the mid-section for an elevated look. It was an elegant turn that she wore as well for the National Day parade in Brussels in the afternoon.
It was there that the family was joined by Princess Delphine, the daughter of King Albert II and his former partner, Sybille de Selys Longchamps. Delphine, who pursued a court case to get her father to admit to paternity, had spoken out just before National Day about not feeling close to her half brother, King Philippe, and sometimes only seeing him at big events such as National Day.
Delphine had already announced she would be wearing a bespoke dress and arrived for the parade wearing a bright red outfit made of vegan leather and silk and covered in studs. The long skirt featured a dramatic slit that dominated one side.
