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The State Banquet hosted by King Albert (wearing the Order of the Netherlands Lion) and Queen Paola (in the Nine Provinces Tiara and the Order of the Netherlands Lion) at the Royal Castle of Laken on this day in 2006, on the first day of the State Visit by Queen Beatrix (wearing the Dutch Sapphire Tiara with the Order of Leopold), Crown Prince Willem-Alexander (in the Order of the Crown), and Crown Princess Maxima (wearing the Rose Cut Diamond Bandeau with the Order of the Crown). Crown Prince Philippe (in the Order of Orange-Nassau), Crown Princess Mathilde (wearing the Laurel Wreath Tiara and the Order of Orange-Nassau), Queen Fabiola, Prince Laurent (wearing the Order of the Crown), Princess Claire (in her Wedding Tiara and the Order of the Crown), Princess Astrid (wearing the Savoy-Aosta Tiara and the Order of the Crown), and Archduke Lorenz (in the Order of the Crown) were also in attendance.
What a difference a few years can make! Both countries have had new Kings and Queens for some time. How lovely to see Queen Fabiola included in this event. I can’t get over how young Mathilde looks with her long curls. They all appear to be having a great time together.