The Duke of Brabant's Wedding: HRH The Duchess of Brabant
Philippe and Mathilde aren't the loudest or the most glamorous crown princely couple in Europe, but I have to say, they always look like they're really in love, don't they? Here they are at their wedding in December 1999, looking lovey-dovey as usual!
Mathilde wore Queen Elisabeth's Diamond Bandeau Tiara for her big day. The art deco tiara was made in the early twentieth century for Queen Elisabeth of the Belgians, often called "The Red Queen" because of her communist sympathies. Elisabeth married the future King Albert I of the Belgians in 1900; she is the grandmother of the current king, Albert II, and the great-grandmother of Prince Philippe. Bandeau tiaras sometimes look a little strange when worn today, as they were usually worn low over the forehead in the '20s and '30s, but I quite like this one with a wedding veil.
Mathilde hasn't worn the bandeau tiara since her wedding day -- it was on loan from her new mother-in-law, Queen Paola. The tiara collection of the Belgian royal family is quite small, as many tiaras have been bequeathed to daughters who married into other royal houses, and Princess Lilian, the second queen of Leopold III, sold several tiaras as well. Perhaps it's time for the Belgians to start combing estate sales for some brand-new antique bling?
Ella, this flashback idea is genius! So much fun.
Mathilde's wedding dress is one of my favorites - classic. And I love this tiara. I wish Queen Paola would lend it to her again. Poor Mathilde only has one of her own to wear!
She really pulled this one off perfectly - the dress is gorgeous, and the tiara is perfectly perched.
Thank you, Ella, for this wonderful surprise. This is going to be so much fun!
This royal couple is on my "short" list of favorite royal couples. They ooze love for one anther and I truly love seeing that. Her hair style is perfect for that kind of tiara, which is so small and delicate and gorgeous. The veil completely flatters her; I really love the lace rather than tulle. Her ensemble has an exquisite and very feminine medieval style about it...so unique and quite lovely.
Mathidle was one of the most lovely brides in recent years - her dress was perfect for the late winter wedding. The last major wedding of the 20th century i believe!
The tiara is lovely and it is a pity that it was only a loan for the day and now Mathidle is very restricted to the tiara that was a present to her by the Belgians. The tiara suite the antique Belgian lace perfectly.
She is beautiful, charming and so in love !