The Dutch Royal Family attended a spectacular Gala Dinner hosted by the Dutch Government at the Prinsenhof in Delft on this day in 1966, a few days days before the Wedding of Princess Beatrix and Claus von Amsberg, which itself was preceded by a Ball in Amsterdam.
Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg were the guests of honour at the Gala Dinner hosted by the Dutch Government at the Prinsenhof in Delft a few days days before their Wedding.
On Saturday, the 5th of March, the Government of the Kingdom, which in theory is headed by the sovereign, offered a full gala state banquet in honour of the royal couple. Men wore white tie with decorations, while women were required to wear long dresses with facultative tiaras. The banquet was held at the Prinsenhof in Delft, the site of Prince William I of Orange’s last years of life and also the site of his death. In all gala royal events the jewels set the tone of the celebration and catch the eyes of the attendance, and the Government banquet was no exception.
The delighted couple sat together in the middle at the presidential table, surrounded by the Prime Minister and other members of the Government and the Queen and members of the Royal Family. During the dinner several scenes caught the attention of the photographers, like the one depicted above of Mr. Claus von Amsberg giving a slice of cake to his bride or the couple curiously looking at a crown-ornament above their heads.
Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands (wearing Queen Emma’s Diamond Tiara) and Claus von Amsberg
Queen Juliana (wearing the Mellerio Ruby Parure)
Princess Irene (in the Bourbon-Parma Tiara) and Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon Parma
Princess Margriet (wearing the Aquamarine Tiara) and Pieter van Vollenhoven
Princess Christina of Sweden (in the Four-Button Tiara)
Prince Aschwin and Princess Simone of Lippe-Biesterfeld (in the Pearl Button Tiara)
Just an observation; it seems that the man sitting to Queen Juliana’s left (in picture no. 10) has been identified as Prince Bernhardof. It is not the Prince though, but rather the Prime Minister of the time Jozef Maria Laurens Theo “Jo” Cals. He was the host of this event, so it is only natural that he should sit between the Queen and the bride-to-be Princess Beatrix. Even though he didn’t last in the post for very long he donned quite an impressive collection of medals and orders. The most prominent one is of course the Sash and Breast Star of the Order of Orange-Nassau.