Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was the epitome of elegance as she graced a state banquet in Nairobi on Tuesday night. She was dazzling in regal attire and exquisite sapphire jewellery.
Accompanied by her husband, King Willem-Alexander, the Dutch Queen, 53, exuded sophistication in a royal blue long-sleeved blouse, which she paired with a gold skirt featuring an intricate floral pattern.
However, it was her breathtaking accessories that stole the spotlight.
She wore the Dutch Sapphire Necklace Tiara, a resplendent piece adorned with deep blue diamonds, complemented by matching earrings, a sapphire bracelet, and the Dutch sapphire bow brooch.
The tiara, originally a necklace gifted to Queen Emma of the Netherlands in 1879, was transformed into its current form in 2009 by Dutch jewellers Steltmann, incorporating additional sapphires from Queen Wilhelmina’s dismantled Sapphire Parure.
After the grand evening, the royal couple resumed their official engagements on Wednesday morning with a visit to the Inland Container Depot in Naivasha.
For the outing, Queen Máxima opted for a more relaxed yet effortlessly chic look, a flowing, patterned shirt dress cinched at the waist with a chunky beige belt, complemented by a stylish straw hat.
King Willem-Alexander also maintained his refined style, stepping out in a beige suit paired with a blue shirt and a purple tie.
The couple later toured a Dutch horticultural business before attending a cultural showcase celebrating Kenya’s rich heritage.
While Queen Máxima was widely praised for her impeccable fashion sense, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, found herself at the centre of a social media storm over her sartorial choices.
Her outfit for the royal visit, strikingly similar to what she wore during President William Ruto’s inauguration in 2022, did little to impress fashion enthusiasts.
She donned a peplum-style top with layered detailing at the waist and a ruffled-hem skirt that exuded understated modesty.
However, it was not the outfit itself that fuelled the most discussion, it was her choice of footwear.
Rachel Ruto’s brown, low-heeled shoes quickly became a point of contention online, with critics arguing that they appeared outdated and mismatched for such a prestigious diplomatic occasion.
An online search revealed the shoes to be Bally Obrien Classic Heels, retailing at approximately Ksh 103,000.
Social media users did not hold back their opinions, with one X user bluntly asking, “What are those shoes, buana?”
Another remarked, “A classy pair, yes, but completely wrong for that outfit. This is why hiring family instead of a professional stylist is a problem.”
Some commentators took direct aim at her styling team, with one post reading, “If there is one person in Kenya who should be jobless, it’s the First Lady’s stylist. From outfits to footwear, she desperately needs someone who understands diplomatic fashion.”
The criticism went beyond fashion, with @Mutichilolaw weighing in: “This is what happens when jobs are handed out based on cronyism instead of merit. Wacha akae hivyo.”
Another user, NyajeriDavid, pointed out the contrast between the President’s sharp dressing and the First Lady’s style, sarcastically noting, “The President’s stylist is excellent, why can’t he extend the favour to his wife? Or does she not have a fashion budget?”
Despite the backlash, some Kenyans defended Rachel Ruto’s minimalist approach, arguing that her style reflected grace and humility rather than excessive extravagance.
At the state banquet, she chose a full-length black dress with a subtle texture, long sleeves, and a high neckline, accessorised with a striking silver necklace.
The classic silhouette was in stark contrast to Queen Máxima’s bold and commanding fashion choices.
Earlier in the visit, on Monday, 17 March, the Dutch Queen had set the tone for high fashion at State House, Nairobi, with a striking all-red ensemble.
She stunned in a cape dress with structured shoulders, a ruched neckline, and delicate feather details exuding power and elegance.
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